Whisper it within earshot of the Red Army. But when Leighton Clarkson’s wonder winner in Perth flew into the St Johnstone net, it did so sprinkled with more than a little Steven Gerrard magic dust on it.
To be fair to the Aberdeen loan star it was of the Liverpool variety rather than anything emanating from the Anfield legend’s three years in charge at Rangers. On-loan Liverpool ace Clarkson’s second-half free-kick which sealed a deserved three points for the Dons was made at Melwood where he honed his skills in the academy under Gerrard.
And Jim Goodwin certainly won’t be caring a jot where the brilliance was born as it lifted Aberdeen up from last week’s demoralising defeat to Motherwell and into fifth spot. Clarkson, whose ferocious strike two weeks ago helped beat St Mirren, has taken no time to win over the Dons support and admits Gerrard had a huge role to play in his dead-ball prowess.
He said: “I practise after sessions. I like doing a bit of shooting and the day before the game I always do free-kicks. It started when I was with the 18s at Liverpool and Gerrard was our coach.
“We did a lot of one-to-ones with him and from then on I’ve just done it before every game. He was probably the best person to learn from. Has Steven been in touch? Not at this minute in time. I’ve not checked by phone after this game so we’ll see!”
Clarkson’s winner was eerily similar to Pittodrie loanee predecessor James Maddison’s effort that beat Rangers six years ago. He added: “Funnily enough, I watched that free-kick the night before the game. It just popped up on my phone. I didn’t know he scored it. As soon as I got the chance today, I wanted to take it.”
The 20-year-old may be small in stature but he had a huge influence on this game and looks to have an even bigger future. Composure, quick feet and eye for a pass makes it clear to see why Clarkson is on Liverpool’s books with a Champions League appearance already.
A series of probing forward passes created openings for the Dons – none better than a brilliant bending ball right on to the toe of Bojan Miovski early in the first half which the Macedonian failed to convert. In beside the impressive Ylber Ramadani and energetic Ross McCrorie it’s a promising looking engine room which has helped the Dons support get over the loss of Lewis Ferguson.
And Clarkson, who spent six months on loan at Blackburn last season, said: “I’m loving it. I needed a club where I’m going to play. As soon as Aberdeen came in, I really wanted to go there. It’s a big club in Scotland and I knew all about them from watching them at home. It was quite an easy choice.
“Over the last couple of years I think Scottish football has become a lot bigger. When I was in and around the academy, there was often a Scottish game on around 12.30pm.”
Aberdeen deserved the points after controlling the game for large spells. Bojan Miovski thought he’d opened the scoring on 10 minutes but his header from Jonny Hayes’ cross was ruled out for offside.
Former Dons stalwart Andy Considine took just 20 minutes to make his mark against his old side when he clattered into Vicente Besuijen earning him a yellow card. Miovski then failed to connect with Clarkson’s lovely through ball before, down the other end, Kelle Roos smothered Daniel Phillips’ low effort and Theo Bair inexplicably swiped fresh air after a good cut back from Jamie Murphy.
Aberdeen fans might have been forgiven for thinking their eight-month wait for an away league win was about to continue. But then Clarkson stepped up with his moment of magic. Saints midfielder Graham Carey was furious with ref Craig Napier after being penalised for tripping Hayes. It may have been a soft award but there was no doubt about the finish from Clarkson.
Aberdeen could have extended their lead when a McCrorie piledriver stung Matthews’ palms before Miovski saw a shot saved by the keeper’s legs. Saints’ big chance arrived with eight minutes to go when Murphy danced through the Dons defence but his effort was well saved by Roos to ensure the points were heading back to Pittodrie.
