Aberdeen must target overtaking Hearts to secure a third place Premiership finish this season.
Under the guidance of interim boss Barry Robson, the Reds have jumped up to fifth in the table to keep alive hopes of European qualification.
However, they should aim high and try to overtake Hearts to finish third.
Hearts are currently seven points ahead of the Dons and hold a game in hand.
But there are enough games left to overtake them.
No better platform for the Dons
The Reds’ next game is at home to the Tynecastle club on Saturday, March 18.
That match offers a huge opportunity for Aberdeen to make a statement they can overhaul Hearts.
There is no better platform for the Dons to lay a major marker than beating the club currently holding third spot.
Aberdeen’s bid for third has been damaged by their terrible away form throughout the season.
Hopefully, after the 3-1 win at Dundee United they will start securing wins on the road to boost the bid to overtake Hearts.
Obviously, one swallow does not make a summer and the victory at Tannadice was the Dons’ first away league win since October.
However, there were a real indication against Dundee United the character and commitment needed to win on the road is now present within the Dons.
It wasn’t an easy game as Jim Goodwin’s United played very well and the 3-1 score flattered Aberdeen.
The Dons showed the courage, character, commitment and togetherness to get the win.
What it takes to win
It is nothing scientific, it is not about tactics or ability – getting a result away from home is mainly about character and that is what has been lacking.
That understanding of what it takes to win games away from home.
The second half against Dundee United is the first time I have witnessed that understanding and character from Aberdeen this season.
Some of the players during the January transfer window seem to have brought a change in attitude – in particular Graeme Shinnie, Angus MacDonald and Mattie Pollock.
There needs to be an understanding that in away games it isn’t just about tactics, shape and passing the ball.
It is about dealing with difficult situations and adversity.
Aberdeen showed this at Tannadice.
Could secure third place
If they can continue that it could see the Dons secure European qualification – and a third-placed finish.
As I said, captain Shinnie has been key to bringing this new mentality to the team.
And Aberdeen supporters will be hoping Shinnie will be at Pittodrie beyond the summer.
The midfielder is only on loan from Championship Wigan Athletic until the end of the current campaign.
Whether he is at Aberdeen next season only time will tell, but he has definitely had a major impact.
Shinnie brings grit, determination and attitude
I cannot say Shinnie’s performances have been outstanding in terms of passing the ball or the finer aspects of the game.
But he has made a huge impact with the character and drive he brings.
A team needs a leader.
If you can get more than a leader great, but you certainly can’t have a team that is rudderless.
You need a captain at the helm and that is what Shinnie is.
He brings grit, determination and an in-your-face attitude definitely required at the top level.
It has been missing for the season before Shinnie arrived, but he has put that right.
Under the guidance of interim boss Robson, the Dons have secured back-to-back wins.
However, the uncertainty over the managerial position continues.
Everything must be in place now for Aberdeen to appoint their new manager.
The spadework will have already been done for new chief executive Alan Burrows ahead of him coming into Pittodrie.
I would assume the appointment of a new manager will not be too far away.
Uncertainty is not a good thing for the club.
Aberdeen have been right not to rush into making a managerial appointment.
But now it is time to whittle down that shortlist to one candidate.
And whoever they appoint can spearhead the bid to chase down Hearts.
Throwing of smoke bombs and flares must be stamped out
Clubs must use CCTV to identify and punish people who take the potentially serious injury of players on the pitch lightly.
Aberdeen must be strong in getting the message across that throwing smoke bombs and flares is not acceptable.
The club has a huge part to play in this and must find the culprits.
Is it going to take something like a player being injured to stop this?
Not just players but supporters and stewards can also be injured as well.
Players on the pitch should not be put under that threat – it is unacceptable.
The club have to take a major stance to try to stamp it out.
The culprits have to be found and hit with severe sanctions and a ban.
Hopefully, clubs, security people, Police Scotland and the SPFL can get together to ensure there is a focus on stamping this nonsense out.
There is enough technology in our game now we should be able to identify these culprits and take swift and strong action.
Minority tainting Aberdeen supporters' reputation by throwing flares. This flare missed narrowly missed Ryan Duncan at Tannodice. It needs to stop before someone is seriously hurt @AberdeenFC @dundeeunitedfc #aberdeenfc
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/N0Zhnl5JYg— Sean Wallace (@EESeanWallace) March 5, 2023
Aberdeen must be strong in getting the message across it is not acceptable.
It happens at Pittodrie, too, as smoke bombs and flares are thrown on to the pitch from the Red Shed.
That has to stop now.
Clubs will be watching goal hero Duk
Aberdeen striker Duk is an exciting talent and that will inevitably bring him to the attention of other clubs.
That is something that will be in Aberdeen’s business plan – to take in young players like Duk, develop them and, if they make an impact, eventually sell them on for a large fee. Then any fee the club receives can be reinvested.
Football is ultimately a business.
However, I am sure the hope for Dons fans is that Duk stays around for a while so that they can continue to enjoy watching him play.
👏 Duuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkk.#StandFree | #cinchPrem pic.twitter.com/L53AxISfED
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) March 4, 2023
He is still quite young at only 23 years old so there is still so much more potential with the Cape Verde international.
Sensational and Spectacular
Duk scored a sensational goal against Dundee United which combined his pace, power and audacious skill.
He doesn’t seem to score normal goals as they always deliver something spectacular.
Being a former defender I know when someone has the pace of Duk it is a huge challenge to cope with that.
I thought Duk struggled in the first half to cope with Dundee United’s shape.
However, he really came to life in the second half and was a real threat.
The quality Duk brings, especially away from home, is so important.
He can get Aberdeen up the park quickly and turn defence into attack by himself.
Duk is a ball carrier who also has the calmness and quality to score goals.
He is now on 13 goals for the season with Bojan Miovski on 17 – it is a brilliant partnership.
I have enjoyed watching Duk this season as he is such a difficult player for defenders to pin down.
Duk has the skill to go with his pace.
If he can continue improving, he is going to be a huge asset for the club.
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