Aberdeen took an early lead in their vital Scottish Premiership match against Kilmarnock, a goal that proved decisive in a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Afeez Aremu scored the winner in the first minute, and despite Kilmarnock's best efforts, the home side held on for a crucial three points.
The visitors hit the crossbar three times, with Aaron Tshibola heading off the bar twice and Jack Milne inadvertently turning a cross off his own bar. Aberdeen's win moves them further away from the relegation zone, while Kilmarnock remains in the play-off spot. The Dons had won their previous game against Hibs, opening up a five-point gap on Kilmarnock, and this victory eases the pressure on the team.
Kilmarnock made one change to their lineup, with Max Stryjek returning in goal after a six-month absence due to heart surgery. However, his return was marred by the early goal, which was calmly slotted into the bottom-right corner by Aremu.
The home side started strongly, with Toyosi Olusanya's pace causing problems for Kilmarnock, but they failed to create clear-cut chances. Kilmarnock swiftly broke and won a free-kick, from which Tshibola headed off the crossbar.
The away side settled into the game, with Nicky Clescenco asking questions of Aberdeen's right-back Alexander Jensen. In the second half, Clescenco drew the first save from Dimitar Mitov, and Olusanya hit over soon after.
Stryjek was called into action again, claiming a Frame delivery that came off two Kilmarnock bodies. Aberdeen was left counting their blessings as Clescenco got away down the left, clipping in for Tshibola, who saw his header clip the crossbar again. The Dons' goal was leading a charmed life, as the crossbar was struck for a third time, Milne turning Greg Kiltie's teasing cross off his own bar. Milne popped up at the other end shortly after, his looping header forcing a superb flaying save from Stryjek.
Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson praised his team's character, saying they defended their box well and didn't concede from set plays. Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann was proud of how his team played, despite the early setback, and felt they grew into the game, creating lots of chances and hitting the woodwork multiple times.