Can Aberdeen build on first Premiership win?

“I’m so pleased with the performance,” manager Thelin told BBC Scotland. “The players put in so much hard work in training, and in other games, and didn’t get the results or goals.

“We saw some signs against Shakhtar on Thursday night, and also the connection between the fans and the team growing. The energy was back.

“Today, we started the game really well and the connection with the fans was there. They saw the players’ effort. That’s how we grow stronger.

“We still have things to improve, but we are growing week by week.”

Throughout the poor run Aberdeen have been on – five wins in 33 league outings before this weekend – Thelin has been fairly resolute in the face of growing pressure.

There was a growing feeling the Scottish Cup win over Celtic papered over the cracks of a team that have struggled this calendar year, but the victory over Dundee was a return to the side that lay waste to the Premiership at the start of last season.

The Dons registered their most shots (20), passes (574) and xG (2.92) of the season so far and displayed an attacking verve that has been lacking.

“The connections in the team are growing,” Thelin added. “It was important to have a clean sheet today and be front-footed. We pushed for a victory against Motherwell, and against Shakhtar.

“We have to keep this energy. It’s important that when you represent Aberdeen you show this energy. The front-foot approach is there. We have to keep pushing.”