\n<\/p>\n
Saturday’s win was not straightforward. Dundee had much of the possession and plenty chances, spurning all but one in the 2-1 reverse.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Kevin Nisbet, roundly criticised this season, bagged another goal. Topi Keskinen’s ferocious winning goal from well outside the box was unstoppable.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Our supporters have been there in tough times and the players put a smile on their face,” Thelin said afterwards.<\/p>\n
“It was good to see them celebrate together after the game.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“We won a lot of games before the new signings but they are adapting really quickly and giving their skills to the team.”<\/p>\n
With seven games before the Premiership split, Aberdeen have clambered back above Dundee United by a point in third place.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
There are some tantalising fixtures to come, and if Aberdeen have indeed turned a corner, an opportunity to reassert themselves behind the Glasgow two.<\/p>\n
“Everyone knows the run we’ve been on so of course I’m happy,” said Thelin.<\/p>\n
“I know how hard everyone is working to get this win and also stay stable when it was difficult times.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n