Aberdeen finally put an end to their club-record 14-game Scottish Premiership winless streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dundee, reclaiming third place in the table.
In a high-energy encounter filled with chances, goals from Kevin Nisbet and Topi Keskinen proved the difference.
Nisbet capitalised on a rebound after Kristers Tobers’ back-post volley was parried by Jon McCracken, giving Aberdeen a crucial early lead. Dundee, despite an array of opportunities, failed to convert through Simon Murray, Josh Mulligan, and a glaring miss from Jordan McGhee. Their profligacy was punished in spectacular fashion when Keskinen unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike, sending the travelling fans into delirium.
However, the home side responded almost immediately. Mulligan’s dazzling solo run down the right culminated in a precise cross, which Seb Palmer-Houlden deftly guided past the Aberdeen goalkeeper to keep Dundee in contention.
The final half-hour was a frantic affair. Dundee pushed forward, with Palmer-Houlden and Finlay Robertson coming close, while Aberdeen survived a goalmouth scramble and forced McCracken into a brilliant save from Tobers’ bullet header. Dundee’s attacking intent was evident with their 23 shots, but a lack of clinical finishing ultimately cost them.
Dundee now sit in 11th place, two points adrift of Ross County and six clear of bottom side St Johnstone.
Dundee’s Familiar Struggles in Front of Goal
Dundee fans have seen this script before. Strong spells of play, missed opportunities, and ultimately, another frustrating defeat.
This latest loss mirrors their previous home meeting with Aberdeen back in September—an early barrage of chances, two goals conceded, and an uphill battle to salvage something from the game.
There’s no doubting the spirit in Tony Docherty’s squad, as seen in their performances against Rangers and Celtic, but consistency has been their Achilles’ heel. With crucial fixtures against Ross County, Motherwell, and St Johnstone on the horizon, Dundee’s hopes of a top-six push could hinge on how they navigate this defining period.
Aberdeen’s Timely Return to Form
For Aberdeen, Dundee have been a welcome opponent this season. Three wins from three against them, and just two defeats in their last 31 league meetings underline their dominance in this fixture.
Jimmy Thelin desperately needed a win to revive his team’s faltering campaign, having secured just four points from the last available 42. This result might just be the turning point they need.
Recent signings Mats Knoester, Alexander Jensen, and Kristers Tobers have added much-needed defensive solidity, while Jeppe Okkels has injected flair on the wing. Nisbet and Pape Gueye are beginning to form an effective partnership up front, and Keskinen’s stunning goal showcased why he could be a key figure moving forward.
Back in third place, Aberdeen’s challenge now is to maintain this momentum. Can they solidify their position in the league’s upper reaches?
Manager Reactions
Dundee boss Tony Docherty:
“I’m hugely disappointed. We need to learn lessons quickly. There are seven games to the split, and this was a match we should have taken something from.
“The first goal, there was a tug on [Antonio] Portales’ jersey—VAR should have picked it up. We were naive defensively, and we paid the price.”
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin:
“I saw the happiness on the faces of our players and fans—people who have stuck with us through difficult times.
“The team fought together, defended as a unit, and put their bodies on the line when it mattered. We made our supporters proud.”