‘We didn’t deal with set-plays, the first four goals come from that. The team that won more tackles and headers won the game. The team that were more streetwise and strong and stood up to the physical side of the game won. We had to be strong at set-plays, that’s where most games are won and lost.

“We started the game on the front foot but it’s difficult to even mention some of the good stuff because if you can’t defend your box and can’t see the importance of seeing off the opponent’s threat then you are always going to be up against it.

“In a 90 minute game the biggest drain on confidence is losing cheap goals. Set-plays come with responsibility and when responsibility isn’t met there comes a bit of embarrassment for the players and I think it affected some players a bit today.

“We don’t lose too many games and certainly not by that margin.

“We don’t lose many goals from set-plays, over the past two years we have always been very strong at that.

“The first goal came from not clearing the box properly, Easton scores with a tremendous strike but you have got to get more pressure on the ball similar to Christie’s strike last week.

“It was a shock how we didn’t deal with it more than embarrassment.

“We expect more of ourselves and the supporters expect more of their team. We are strong at home and we look forward to playing here, we have got good players but if you don’t do the ugly side of the game you are open to that sort of defeat.

“It shows that there is work to be done but we have honesty and they know that everything I am saying is right. We are not known as a team who give cheap goals and don’t compete like we have been in the past two games.

“There are certain aspects that it is clear that we have to improve on.

“If I am Jim McIntyre looking at that game I am saying get the ball into the box and ask questions of them, apply pressure and be physical. We need to find answers and ways to stand up to that.

“I’ve got a brilliant set of boys who we know didn’t perform today. In the past they have shown they have the attitude and ability to play here.

“There is a lot expected of Aberdeen teams but we have met that challenge before and we will meet it again so there is no panic but there is a recognition that things have to improve.”

“There is a lot expected of Aberdeen teams but we have met that challenge before and we will meet it again so there is no panic but there is a recognition that things have to improve.”