Saturday’s win was not straightforward. Dundee had much of the possession and plenty chances, spurning all but one in the 2-1 reverse.
Aberdeen’s capacity to dig deep, throw bodies in the path of the crosses, shots and deliveries which at times peppered their box, was compelling.
Kevin Nisbet, roundly criticised this season, bagged another goal. Topi Keskinen’s ferocious winning goal from well outside the box was unstoppable.
Rasping into the top-right corner – the Finn wheeling away in joy well before it reached its target – in front of the teeming away end, it was a beautiful moment for the club and their embattled supporters.
“Our supporters have been there in tough times and the players put a smile on their face,” Thelin said afterwards.
“It was good to see them celebrate together after the game.”
The club have backed Thelin in the transfer windows. Six new players arrived in January, several with international experience. Latvia captain Kristers Tobers looks a particularly impressive, athletic addition to the defence.
“They are really good players, but it is not only the backline,” added Thelin. “It is the whole team, how we work together on the pitch.
“We won a lot of games before the new signings but they are adapting really quickly and giving their skills to the team.”
With seven games before the Premiership split, Aberdeen have clambered back above Dundee United by a point in third place.
Thelin’s side host Kilmarnock, who have toiled on the road this season, next Saturday, before a Tuesday night trip to champions Celtic and a tasty showdown with United at Pittodrie on Sunday, 2 March.
They will, naturally, be favourites to overcome Rangers’ conquerors Queen’s Park and book a Scottish Cup semi-final date at Hampden, then face three bottom-six clubs and a clash with the Ibrox side on the final weekend of the regular season.
There are some tantalising fixtures to come, and if Aberdeen have indeed turned a corner, an opportunity to reassert themselves behind the Glasgow two.
“Everyone knows the run we’ve been on so of course I’m happy,” said Thelin.
“I know how hard everyone is working to get this win and also stay stable when it was difficult times.
“We didn’t get panicked or stressed. It was nice to take the three points and it was nice to celebrate the way we did at the end.”
