Ice cool Jimmy Thelin insists he is still not getting carried away with Aberdeen‘s superb start to the season after the Dons staged a stunning second half comeback to earn a point in a pulsating 2-2 draw with Celtic at Parkhead.
The visitors found themselves 2-0 down within 27 minutes courtesy of goals from Reo Hatate and Kyogo but fought back to claim a share of the spoils thanks to half time substitute Ester Sokler and influential skipper Graeme Shinnie. While the hosts bombarded Aberdeen in search of a winner in a manic last 10 minutes, the Reds had some big chances themselves, with striker Duk seeing a goal chalked off by VAR for a handball. Dimitar Mitov was kept busy while Cape Verde international Duk also cleared one off the line for his team in the final minute of injury time.
The draw has ended the Swede’s 13-game winning run since he took up the reins at Pittodrie last summer but has ensured his team only trail champions Celtic at the top of the Premiership table by virtue of goal difference. Some punters and fans alike believe the Dons have what it takes to rival Celtic at the top end of the table, but the former Elfsborg boss is staying grounded.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland after the game, Thelin said: “We only focus on the next game, not on what has happened already or in the future. The most important thing for us is to go back to training and refocus our energy for Dundee United (next Saturday) and make a good performance for our fans at Pittodrie.
“It was a really emotional game. The players created a strong belief in the second half to go and get something from the game. And that was the most important thing today. I think we have an amazing squad who have a never give in mentality. And also with our supporters today, who helped us with their energy.”
The draw has ended the Swede’s 13-game winning run since he took up the reins at Pittodrie last summer but has ensured his team only trail champions Celtic at the top of the Premiership table by virtue of goal difference.
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