Yesterday was a big moment for Aberdeen as they attempted to bounce back from their 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Celtic. Boy did they manage it.
The Dons hosted Dundee with that Hampden humiliation still fresh in their minds and hoped home advantage could help them to get back on track again.
Despite that Premier Sports Cup setback, Jimmy Thelin’s side were still unbeaten in the league and level on points with Celtic at the top.
They responded in style with a comfortable 4-1 victory over the Dee, all goals coming in the second half from Ante Palaversa, Topi Keskinen, Vicente Besuijen and Kevin Nisbet.
Jimmy Thelin hails Aberdeen spirit
Thelin says his team needed to use the Pittodrie ‘spirit’ to help put the Celtic result behind them and they certainly seemed to do that.
A special feeling has been garnered around the place, owing to that magnificent start to the season and there seems to be a real feeling that something big can be achieved by this group.
That has created a real connection between fans, players and management and week on week sell-out crowds are roaring the Dons on to victory after victory.
The manager talked about that post-match.
He said: “It’s still a long-term project, but game by game, we lose one, but now we have to play at home at Pittodrie and we have to use this spirit we have in Pittodrie right now.
“How the fans and supporters have built this spirit for us to play in front of them. It’s a sell-out again, I think it’s the fourth game in a row. This one was also not the perfect first half, but they pushed us.
“We got this into the dressing room and then go out and show up like we did. So of course the result was important in that context, but we have to stick game by game. Even if we win or lose.”
Attacking players have often been the focus of attention when it comes to Aberdeen this season but goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov has been a shrewd addition from St Johnstone.
And the Bulgarian came up with a big moment yesterday, saving Simon Murray’s penalty.
Thelin recognised the work being done by his goalkeeping department on the training ground.
He added: “Him and also other goalkeepers and Craig (Hinchcliffe), the goalkeeper coach, are doing good work, and they prepare the goalkeepers so well.
“They have a good cooperation and a good teamwork, so again, I think the staff and the players, and the collective support, it’s a good team right now, and everybody supports each other, so it was nice to see. Dimitar’s a good goalkeeper.”
Jamie McGrath Aberdeen injury
Jamie McGrath was a notable absentee from the Aberdeen team yesterday after playing a central part in their early season march.
Thelin has explained the creative midfielder has had to have surgery and will miss a few weeks.
The Swede said: “We had to make a decision because he took a hit against Ross County.
“They need to fix some parts, we make a minor surgery, and we have to decide if we do it this game or we have to wait after the break, then we’re going to miss maybe three or four games. So we take the decision to take it this game instead, and now after the break we’ll be fresh and play again.”