Jimmy Thelin says Aberdeen players and fans joined forces to secure victory from a tough game against Hearts.
Unbeaten Dons were given their toughest test yet by bottom-of-the-table Jambos and were probably second best for much of the game, but still managed to come away with yet another win as they keep pace with Celtic at the top of the Premiership.
The visitors took the lead through Blair Spittal with 27 minutes left to play but Thelin’s men immediately struck back through Nicky Devlin. Hearts midfielder Jorge Grant was then sent off and the man advantage told with Ante Palaversa striking a winner late on.
It means the Aberdeen juggernaut rolls on despite not being at their best and that delights their manager as they remain joint top.
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Thelin on Aberdeen fans’ contribution to Hearts win
There was a superb atmosphere inside Pittodrie during a topsy-turvy clash and the Swede says that provided the team with “something extra.”
“Things didn’t go exactly how we planned, but that’s football sometimes,” said Thelin.
“We did some mistakes today but I don’t think it’s the right day to analyse that. We have to think about the atmosphere, the substitutes we made and how they made an impact in the game.
“The whole of Pittodrie was bouncing and these good feelings and the character of the team when it’s not going exactly as we planned – this hunger to try to find the winning goal, even if they were down to 10 men – I’m so happy with that today.
“I think everybody could feel the atmosphere today was something extra, and it was amazing, actually.
“You can see the fire in the eyes of the players and how they push each other and really compete, together with the fans at Pittodrie.”
Thelin looks ahead to Celtic clash
Up next is a trip to take on the only other unbeaten side in the league, Celtic. Something clearlty has to give and Brendan Rodgers’ side will be seen as favourites to keep up their 100 per cent record.
But Thelin is confident about his side’s chances and is targeting another victory.
He added:”Celtic are good, and we usually respect every opponent. Of course, you see how they play at home and these kind of things.
“But we have to prepare ourselves and try to have a really good performance and get a good result. So we don’t change our preparations or the way we work. Now we’re going to reload and prepare for that game.”