Aberdeen's Alfie Dorrington and Livingston's Robbie Muirhead battle for possessionSNS

Aberdeen remain without a goal or a win in the Premiership

At a glance

  • Aberdeen remain without a win or a goal in the Premiership this season

  • Dante Polvara hits post for Aberdeen with final kick of the game

  • Livingston end three-game losing streak in all competitions

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Aberdeen were booed off at Pittodrie after a disappointing draw against Livingston left them still searching for their first Scottish Premiership win and goal of the season.

Despite their poor start to the league campaign, the signings of Kevin Nisbet, Stuart Armstrong and Jesper Karlsson meant there was a positive mood among the large home support pre-match.

Karlsson went close on a couple of occasions in the first half, while Adil Aouchiche and Alexander Jensen both curled low shots just wide when they should have hit the target.

At the other end Tete Yengi saw a dangerous-looking effort blocked by his Livingston teammate Mo Sylla.

Aberdeen had Dimitar Mitov to thank for keeping the scores level as the Bulgarian brilliantly tipped an Andy Winter long-range effort wide midway through the second half.

Not to be outdone, Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior did equally well to tip Ante Palaversa's shot from distance over the bar.

Topi Keskinen went close late on for Aberdeen with a low shot which trickled wide, before Leighton Clarkson had an added-time effort deflected just over the bar.

Moments later Jimmy Thelin's side were denied by the woodwork as Marko Lazetic saw his turn and shot hit the post.

Unable to find a way to goal once again, the home supporters made their dismay felt as boos rang around Pittodrie at full-time.

Sportscene highlights: Aberdeen v Livingston

13/09/2025

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Analysis: Blunt Aberdeen thwarted by well-drilled Livingston

For all the pre-match hype about Aberdeen's spate of big-name signings, the problems that have dogged them all season were evident again.

A lack of creativity, and an inability to take the chances when they did come.

Of course it will take time for the new recruits to get up to speed, but time is at a premium when a team is on a run like this.

If the Dons aren't careful, their hopes of achieving a lot of what they want to this season will be over before they know it if things don't change – and quickly.

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On the other hand, this was classic Livingston.

They were well drilled, well organised and largely stifled Aberdeen's creative threat.

The visitors also carried a threat on the break.

These are qualities that will serve David Martindale's side well as they continue to navigate their way through their return to the top flight.

What they said

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "We feel some frustration. We did some more stable things today, kept a clean sheet and create a lot of chances.

"It's still not there, we still have things to work on. It's not good enough and we have to keep working hard to get the team up to speed.

"I think we are going to succeed. It is a long-term project, we're going to keep going, but right now we have to show more. It's up to us to give the fans energy. We have to give them more.

"The pressure is always there. We have had a really bad start, but we have to keep working and keep believing. The only way to get out of this is take it step by step.

"This season is not over yet. We know we don't have enough points so far. We have to perform better."

Livingston manager David Martindale: "I thought it was a fantastic point away from home.

"I don't think the first half we were anywhere near the levels I wanted us to be. Second half we were much better, posed a threat on the counter.

"Jerome didn't really have a save to make. We could have nicked it, so I'm fairly pleased with the performance.

"I thought the full group were very good. A special mention to Jerome and the back four. There was a lot to like.

"We've got good team spirit, positive momentum and I think we'll get better as the season goes on."

What's next for these teams?

Aberdeen return to Premier Sports Cup action next Saturday with a difficult-looking quarter-final against Motherwell at Pittodrie (15:00 BST).

On the same day, Livingston make the trip north to play Dundee in the Scottish Premiership (15:00 BST).

Where next?

Why next five games are critical for Aberdeen

'Lure of Europe' brings Scotland midfielder Armstrong to Aberdeen

Aberdeen buy Nisbet and take Bologna's Karlsson on loan

Player of the match

M. Tait
6.25
17 J. Karlsson
6.07
1 D. Mitov
6.07
77 E. Gyamfi
5.90
8 D. Polvara
5.74
5 M. Knoester
5.30
7 A. Aouchiche
5.18
15 K. Nisbet
5.11
10 L. Clarkson
5.07
18 A. Palaversa
5.00
26 A. Dorrington
4.93
27 M. Lazetić
4.86
4 G. Shinnie
4.86
16 S. Armstrong
4.68
28 A. Jensen
4.61
81 T. Keskinen
4.50
6 S. Heltne Nilsen
3.26
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