Aberdeen will be forced to take stock after a massive bump back down to earth at the hands of Celtic.
Despite the Dons’ impressive start to the season, the Hoops were always going to be favourites to win their Premier Sports Cup semi-final at the weekend.
But it was the margin of defeat for Jimmy Thelin’s men that was unexpected as they shipped six goals at Hampden, three in each half.
One positive for Aberdeen is that it wasn’t a league game and they remain level on points with the champions, and can stay that way if they make sure they maintain their form.
Biggest challenge for Aberdeen after Celtic hammering
For many, the imperious nature of Celtic’s win over Aberdeen will signal that there will be NO title challenge from Pittodrie.
Even thought it didn’t come in the league, it will be seen as a sign there is a big gulf in class between the two sides.
Pundit Michael Stewart certainly has taken that view but he does believe the Dons can still finish second ahead of Rangers.
However, how they bounce back at home to Dundee this weekend will be a big factor.
He told Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club: “I think this weekend’s game will be huge. The biggest challenge for Aberdeen now if you’re looking longer, and it’s a realistic one, they’re not going to be able to maintain a challenge to Celtic, I don’t think, over the course of the season for the league.
“What I do think is very much realistic is challenging and trying to get second spot ahead of Rangers. That’s the big challenge and I do think they’re capable of doing it.
“If they were to do it, what a wonderful achievement it would be.”
Jimmy Thelin and Aberdeen accused of being ‘naive ‘against Celtic
Aberdeen legend Willie Miller is always keen to give his opinion on his old club and is as quick to hand out praise when it is deserved as he is with criticism.
At the weekend, he felt the latter was warranted and accused manager Thelin of being naive with the way he set up against Celtic.
The Dons played in an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation and Miller felt the front four played too high up and left holding players Graeme Shinnie and Sivert Nilsen exposed along with the back four.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 3 | 26 | 28 |
| 2 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 9 | 11 | 28 |
| 3 |  RangersRangers | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 19 |