Adam Rooney goal map

Aberdeen striker Adam Rooney scored his 16th Ladbrokes Premiership goal of the season in the recent 1-0 win over Dundee at Pittodrie.

The only goal of the game was the fifth occasion this season that Rooney has scored in a single-goal margin of victory for the Dons, the others coming against Celtic (2-1), Hearts (1-0), Hamilton Accies (1-0) and Ross County (3-2). It is also the fifth consecutive match versus Dundee in which he has scored.

All 16 of his goals have come in the league, despite an appearance in each of the domestic cup competitions. Rooney also made six appearances in Europe earlier in the season but came on as a substitute for four of those, with David Goodwillie being preferred to start.

The former Birmingham City striker has scored seven penalties this season, meaning nine have come from either open play or through other types of set-piece. Of those nine, Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn have assisted seven between them.

Rooney thrives on getting on the end of their crosses and seven have come via this means, including two free-kicks. Even his goal against Dundee United at Pittodrie, which he eventually forced over the line, came from a Hayes cross initially.

There is an argument that Aberdeen’s front three are the most potent in the country. The trio have 25 goals and 17 assists between them in the Premiership. Moreover, just one of Aberdeen’s 38 league goals this season has not involved Rooney, McGinn or Hayes at some point in the move - the exception being their fourth goal against Kilmarnock last month.

As the goal map shows, other than penalties, all but one of Rooney’s goals this season has come from within eight yards. Furthermore, 11 of his goals have been scored at Pittodrie and five at away venues.