Aberdeen

Aberdeen may be without a manager, but it was goals galore at Pittodrie as they saw off Livingston on Saturday. Here's who caught Jonathan Sutherland's eye...

Mitchel Frame given his chance at Aberdeen and the former Celtic youth player did well at left-back and provided an assist for Kevin Nisbet in his sides 6-2 win against Livingston.

The Dons were the proverbial hot knife through Livingston hot butter.

Topi Keskinen certainly had the visitors on toast by the end. Cut through twice to score to round off a rampant day for the Reds.

Nisbet, much more like it from Nisbet. Always seems to take an age to find his feet in the season, but when he does what a devastating impact he can have. In the right place at the right time for Aberdeen in the penalty box, his goal instincts looked like they were well and truly back as Livingston were destroyed at Pittodrie. Very unfortunate to miss out on a hat-trick after a marginal offside call.

Watch Sportscene pundit Steven Naismith discuss Kevin Nisbet's performance in Aberdeen's 6-2 win over Livingston.

Interim boss Peter Leven has brought back intensity and a strong mentality at Aberdeen, says winger Topi Keskinen. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch the best of the action as Aberdeen thrash bottom club Livingston 6-2 in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK users only)

We asked for your views on Aberdeen's 6-2 win against Livingston.

Here's what some of you said:

Graeme: What just happened? The world has been turned on its head. Great result from a team performance and a change to not lose the fight after the disallowed goal and sending off. Now don't go out and lose to Kilmarnock next weekend.

Mark: The transformation in our attacking play was pretty remarkable and it could have been eight or nine. Of course Livi contributed to their own downfall with some awful defending but it shows how players like Kevin Nisbet and Topi Keskinen can thrive when there is quality delivery from midfield and in the wide areas. Great full debut from Mitchel Frame, another player making a difference to the team already.

Fred: Looked a totally different team. What a difference a manager with drive and passion makes. The team looked determined and full of energy. Great to see accurate crosses. The defence was a bit shaky but when you score six it is not a disaster. Well done!

Martin: Great result but let's not paper over the cracks as it was against a team who are bottom for a reason. Good to finally have a striker scoring though and hopefully it can instil confidence into this lot for the rest of the season. There's a team here, it's just a case of finding it.

Niall: At some point the floodgates were going to open and this day was it, following a ridiculous defensive wobble as a wake up call. Hopefully this can energise the squad and give much needed belief and confidence moving forward to try and close the gap on the top-six where this club should be.

Michael: A few tweaks in the team in the January transfer market seems to have ignited something positive. The picture will be clearer as time goes on with stronger and more successful opposition.

St Louis City are close to agreeing a deal for Aberdeen midfielder Dante Polvara, with the clubs discussing a fee of around £150,000 for the 25-year-old, who would be handed a contract until the end of the 2028 season, with the option to extend by a further year. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

St Louis City want to land Aberdeen midfielder Dante Polvara, who was left out of the side to face Livingston on Saturday, and the 25-year-old is keen to return to the United States despite offers from his current club and Hibernian. (Scott Burns on X), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen battered basement dwellers Livingston to end their run of six Scottish Premiership games without a win in a topsy-turvy game at Pittodrie that ended with both sides down to 10 men.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven: "Really positive result, performance. Again, just switching off set-plays and just lost a wee bit of belief and mentality, in that spell. But overall, great performance.

"I challenged them last week against Raith. We had lots of chances to score. We worked on it in this week, implementing what I want, and again, we could have scored more.

[On Nisbet's disallowed goal] "It was a great goal by us again, but I believe the fourth official said they couldn't draw the lines on. I always thought you go with the on-field decision, but obviously he's come across and seen that it looked like he said Nisbet was offside. So, listen, I've got to just take that on the chin.

[On red cards] "I've not seen a replay. At the time, I just thought the two of them were grabbing each other. The full official said to me that both hands were around the neck of each other.

"But again, I've not seen it back. But, listen, if that's the rules now, that's the rules."

"[Nisbet]'s a goal machine. It's why I went with two wingers to give him that service. I thought both of the wingers were really good as well. I'm going to shout out to young Mitchel Frame as well, making his full debut."

"We worked on that during the week. Fitness levels up, tempo up in training. I've demanded more from them. There's players in there. It's just bringing it all together and we've seen that today."

Aberdeen striker Peter Ambrose is still waiting for his visa to return to Hungary, where the 23-year-old will rejoin Diosgyor on loan for the rest of the season. (Daily Record), external

Livingston forward Tete Yengi, 25, is to take up the loan contract that was offered to his brother by Japanese club Machida Zelda, with Aberdeen 27-year-old Kusini having opted to join rivals Cerezo Osaka instead. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Goalkeeper Per Kristian Bratveit says it was a straightforward decision to sign for Aberdeen.

The one-time Norway international has signed an 18-month contract with the Dons after he left Stromsgodset last month.

Bratveit, 29, has been brought in as competition for Dimitar Mitov after back-up Nick Suman picked up an ankle injury in training.

"It feels really good to be here", Bratveit said.

"When Aberdeen made contact it was an easy decision for me to make. I had finished my time in Norway, and I want to do something different, and Aberdeen is such a big club it felt like a great opportunity.

"I'm to get to know the league and Scottish football in general. I've played in a lot of countries which have given me a lot of experience, but I am excited to call Aberdeen home now."

Image source, SNS

Toyosi Olusanya goes into the Aberdeen squad after joining on loan from Houston Dynamo while Jesper Karlsson has departed. Emmanuel Gyamfi is a doubt and goalkeeper Nick Suman faces a few months out with an ankle injury but Mats Knoester has recovered from illness. Defenders Gavin Molloy and Kristers Tobers are still out with knee injuries.

Livingston could hand new left-back Babacar Fati a debut if the paperwork is completed in time. Aidan Denholm remains out with a hamstring problem while Shane Blaney has rejoined Sligo Rovers on loan and the injured Adam Montgomery's loan move from Celtic has been terminated.

New Aberdeen loan signing Toyosi Olusanya insists he has no point to prove as the former St Mirren striker looks to relaunch his career at Pittodrie.

We asked for your views on Aberdeen's loan deal for striker Toyosi Olusanya.

Here's what some of you said:

Jake: Good that we're doing some business, shame it's only loans. We just need to start getting more goals and points on the table.

Michael: Can't say I'm overly excited given his goalscoring record outside of St Mirren. Kind of screams Jay Emmanuel-Thomas or Curtis Main in that they were only signed because they played well one or two times against us. Hopefully he's a player that just thrives in the Scottish league.

Gordon: He certainly caused Aberdeen's defence real problems last season, scoring three times, but that was against Slobodan Rubezic and company. Good physicality for sure so probably worth a punt for a loan period to prove himself.

Russell: Don't understand this one. He isn't a prolific scorer and hasn't scored since leaving St Mirren. Lutz Pfannenstiel says he brings strength and aggression but Marko Lazetic has that and is technically superior.

Niall: If he can deliver the same pacy, dynamic style that caused havoc for us when he was at St Mirren it's exactly what we are crying out for just now. I'm not sure who he'll best link up with up front but I'm excited by the prospect of him feeding off Stuart Armstrong and Lyall Cameron from the midfield.

Rob: I remember he ripped Rubezic apart at Pittodrie. Easily done perhaps, but he certainly brings something different compared to the strikers we have.

Eric: Not sure this is the answer. Our strikers have been starved of real support, so no wonder goals are in short supply. Not sure Olusanya will make any difference as he's hardly prolific. Time for two strikers up front.

Steve: Hardly a singing that you can turn round and say, "what a player". Okay he scored a few good goals while at St Mirren, but what has he done since? Nothing. Are we just clutching at straws and hoping we get lucky? Or, should we recall the young strikers out on loan, and give them the chance to prove a point. Alfie Bavidge, who is scoring on loan at Inverness, is one that springs to mind.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Interim Aberdeen manager Peter Leven believes "good additions" Liam Morrison and Toyosi Olusanya can bring "freshness" to his squad.

Former Celtic and Bayern Munich defender Morrison, 22, has arrived from Queens Park Rangers while ex-St Mirren striker Olusanya, 28, has also checked in on loan, from MLS side Houston Dynamo.

Speaking before Saturday's Premiership visit of Livingston, Leven said: "They are good additions, Liam he has played 11 times in the [English] Championship this season, brings experience so it was good to have him full training today.

"Olusanya is a player we know up here, he has done really well against us in the past and brings a different option for us with his speed in behind.

"100% that is the word we said today, a bit of freshness, new players. Again it might push other players, competition for places now but they are welcome additions."

Aberdeen were already looking to further strengthen their squad, but are now also seeking to sign a goalkeeper.

Second-choice keeper Nick Suman faces a lengthy spell out after injuring his ankle in training, leaving the Dons with just 18-year-old Rodrigo Vitols as back up to Dimitar Mitov.

Leven said: "I think Nick will be sidelined for a while now, that is something Lutz [Pfannenstiel, sporting director] and the recruitment team and Craig Hinchcliffe [head of goalkeeping] will be looking to probably strengthen there."

While departed winger Jesper Karlsson may not have hit the heights expected, he is Aberdeen's top scorer this season with six goals – the same amount as strike pair Marko Lazetic and Kevin Nisbet have netted between them.

Leven was asked what the team needs to do to get Lazetic and Nisbet firing.

"Create more chances, the change of shape might help them, playing with wingers now," he replied.

"But I can't just put all the pressure on the nine. I need my 10, the wingers, midfielders, especially last week at the centre-back Jack Milne scoring, so they have all got to contribute.

"But we have to create enough chances so they can get into the positions to score goals."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Interim Aberdeen manager Peter Leven has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premiership visit of Livingston.

Here are the key points:

• The club are looking to sign another goalkeeper after understudy Nick Suman was ruled out for an "extended period" with an ankle injury.

• Leven says the Dons' two new loan signings this week - defender Liam Morrison and striker Toyosi Olusanya - are "good additions" who will bring "a bit of freshness" and their arrival can "push other players".

• On the departure of Sweden winger Jesper Karlsson: "We wish him all the best."

• Having ended a seven-game winless run by knocking Raith Rovers out of the Scottish Cup, Leven insists "we need to back up last week's win" by seeing off bottom club Livingston.

• The Dons haven't scored in four league games and the interim boss says all his players have to "contribute" on the goals front.

• Livi are without a victory in 22 matches but Leven believes they have been "unlucky in a lot of games". He is expecting a tough game but says "it is all about what we do, what we can bring".

• Team news: Defender Emmanuel Gyamfi is a doubt with "a niggle", but Mats Knoester is back after missing the last game through illness.

Image source, SNS

Toyosi Olusanya is determined to reignite his career at "huge club" Aberdeen after arriving on loan until the end of the season.

The striker moved from St Mirren to Houston Dynamo last April but has yet to start an MLS game and also struggled for game-time on loan at League One Doncaster Rovers earlier this season.

During his two-and-a-half years in Paisley Olusanya scored 19 goals in 85 appearances, 13 of which came in the Scottish Premiership.

The 28-year-old, who replaces Jesper Karlsson at the Dons, told RedTV, external: "I am very happy to be here.

"When I first heard of the interest, I felt that coming here would be a good move.

"Aberdeen is a huge club. I've seen the passion the fans have for the team, driving them on to do well. Everywhere they go, the supporters travel in big numbers and really get behind the team, so we need to give that back with our performances and hard work.

"I want to show what I can do. The last two years at St Mirren were good for me. Scottish football is where I really made a name for myself and hopefully, I can pick up where I left off.

"I want to score goals, work hard and be a team player.

"I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. I've heard it's a good group of boys and I can't wait to get started. I'm ready to go on Saturday if I'm called upon."

We asked for your thoughts after Jesper Karlsson's loan deal from Bologna was cut short.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Atulan: Karlsson was a technically gifted player but his attitude stank. He was not a team player and it looked like he even had a negative impact on team morale. His career looks to be on a downward spiral but if he changes his attitude he could be a success at Bologna. There is definitely a good player there but we just didn't see it on the pitch.

Neil: Sorry to see Karlson go but mainly because I recall how exciting it was when he arrived. With some memorable exceptions (Dundee at home), his performances have been disappointing in what has been a poor team. He seems to have gone downhill in recent games becoming increasingly selfish on the ball. The whole thing feels like a missed opportunity for both parties. That said, the ambition shown in bringing him to the Dons should be recognised and is something I hope to see more of in the future.

Alastair: Clearly a talented player but I don't think we got the best of him. I think he needs better players around him to bring out his best. Wish him well for the future though and grateful for the good moments he gave us.

Dave: The stats shown are interesting, however the reality is he appeared to have no stomach for a battle. Probably a good player in a dominant team but not in a struggling side. Query the recruitment team's due diligence. That said, good luck in your career Jesper.

Johnny: Good player, just not quite what Aberdeen need at the moment. We want someone to hold the ball up and bring others in plus he should press and defend from the front, that isn't Jesper's game. He's a sort of 'final piece' type of player but the Reds are a bit of a mess so need to get the basics right before adding in a luxury player.

Garry: Didn't have a major impact really. He often looked a bit put out with the standards of his team-mates, understandably. Not a guy I'd have signed permanently and suspect this departure was preceded by a wee chat with his agent to get out of Pittodrie rather than Bologna instigating this which adds weight the idea he thinks himself above the Premiership.

Aberdeen have signed former St Mirren striker Toyosi Olusanya on loan until the end of the season from MLS outfit Houston Dynamo.

Dons fans, what do you make of Olusanya's arrival? Are you pleased to see more options in attack? What other business do Aberdeen need to do before the end of the window?

Have your say via this link.