Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin during the 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Pittodrie. Image via SNS. Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin’s forward-thinking, offensive style of play is showing signs of returning. I like Thelin’s approach to how the game should be played, and it was evident in the second half of the 2-2 draw against Dundee United. Aberdeen recovered from a 2-0 deficit at halftime and thoroughly controlled after the break. Now the goal is to maintain that second half level for 90 minutes, and to do so consistently. During my tenure at Aberdeen as a player, manager, or director, the club’s standards of play had been established.

I don’t care who comes to Pittodrie; it should never be five across the back, with you coming out of your penalty box and expecting to score on the break. I’ve heard former Celtic and Rangers players say you must deal with the expectations of the Old Firm. Aberdeen needs to set its own expectations.

Thelin setting Aberdeen expectations

I’m not asking the Dons go back in time to the 1980s, but they should have expectations, which I believe Thelin is bringing to the club. He is doing so with the forward-thinking style of play he has adopted, though he needs more time to properly integrate it.

The difficulty is that it comes in spurts, as Aberdeen is erratic and struggles to put on a 90-minute display. That was the case against Dundee United, who had plenty of possession in the first half but lacked creativity. The Dons got into good positions in the first 45 minutes, but they failed to provide the type of cross required.

Return to scoring form of Nisbet

There are players with high energy and speed who are direct. Manager Thelin clearly wants them to move swiftly, but there are times when you need to slow down a bit. When you have to place your foot on the ball and decide where to deliver it. Aberdeen did not had a shot on target until Kevin Nisbet’s first goal in the 75th minute. Nisbet took his first goal superbly, demonstrating the talent we have seen from the Scotland international striker in the past. We didn’t see it in the first half, but once the goal went in, you could see Nisbet come alive.

After that goal, the on-loan Millwall striker started encouraging his team-mates and engaging with the fans.

Nisbet’s confidence grew after goal

Strikers are about confidence, and when they don’t score, they don’t get into the right positions in the box.

Strikers must smell out where they should be, as Nisbet did for his magnificent equaliser in the 91st minute. Nisbet undoubtedly has a scoring instinct, and if he can keep it up, the season should end on a positive note. With third place in the Premiership still on the line, the Dons have advanced to the Scottish Cup quarterfinals. Nisbet has regained his scoring form, and things are looking up now that a striker can rejuvenate a team. What an impact having a striker who is a predator in the box and can score has on the rest of the squad.

Frustratingly, both Dundee United goals came from dead ball situations, and Aberdeen needed to improve their organisation and communication.

Defensive frailty for United’s goals

The Dons will need to do some work to lessen the situation. It is a new defence put together during the January transfer window, but the excuse cannot be used indefinitely, and communication must improve. Aberdeen performed well to come back from 2-0 down at halftime, as this is not easy to do. In the second half, the crowd and team worked well together. That is because the supporters could see the work, passion, and dedication that was present.

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