Can Keskinen rocket reignite Aberdeen's season?

Topi Keskinen's exquisite long-range strike ensured Aberdeen ended a run of 14 Scottish Premiership matches without victory

For all their recent travails, the flatlining form, tame performances and club-record run of 14 league matches without victory, Aberdeen never fell out of the Scottish Premiership's top four.

It's an incredible stat. Testament, of course, to their thunderous start to life under Jimmy Thelin, plundering 31 points from a possible 33 across their opening 11 games.

Back then, the heady prospect of splitting the Old Firm was whispered. And while most supporters recognised the great red streak would plateau, a bubble-bursting of this proportion was not anticipated.

Before Saturday's trip to Dens Park, Aberdeen had not won a league game since 9 November. They had not taken three points on the road since their previous trip to Dundee five months ago. They had not scored in five Premiership matches.

In sinking Dundee, the gloom has lifted in the Granite City. Anxiety can ease and nerves calm. The Dons have arrested the historic slump, reclaimed third place - and done so early enough to reignite their season.

"The run they have been on has been so depressing, it was getting to a stage when it was affecting confidence," said Aberdeen great Willie Miller on BBC Sportsound.

"This result - albeit Aberdeen were not top drawer - was what they needed. They have to follow that up.

"It's a strange old season when they have 14 games with no wins and pop back into third spot.

"Jimmy Thelin is at a very early stage of putting that team together. This result has definitely helped that, and there is still hope."

No 'panic or stress' as Aberdeen foundered

Saturday's win was not straightforward. Dundee had much of the possession and plenty chances, spurning all but one in the 2-1 reverse.

Aberdeen's capacity to dig deep, throw bodies in the path of the crosses, shots and deliveries which at times peppered their box, was compelling.

Kevin Nisbet, roundly criticised this season, bagged another goal. Topi Keskinen's ferocious winning goal from well outside the box was unstoppable.

Rasping into the top-right corner - the Finn wheeling away in joy well before it reached its target - in front of the teeming away end, it was a beautiful moment for the club and their embattled supporters.

"Our supporters have been there in tough times and the players put a smile on their face," Thelin said afterwards.

"It was good to see them celebrate together after the game."

The club have backed Thelin in the transfer windows. Six new players arrived in January, several with international experience. Latvia captain Kristers Tobers looks a particularly impressive, athletic addition to the defence.

"They are really good players, but it is not only the backline," added Thelin. "It is the whole team, how we work together on the pitch.

"We won a lot of games before the new signings but they are adapting really quickly and giving their skills to the team."

With seven games before the Premiership split, Aberdeen have clambered back above Dundee United by a point in third place.

Thelin's side host Kilmarnock, who have toiled on the road this season, next Saturday, before a Tuesday night trip to champions Celtic and a tasty showdown with United at Pittodrie on Sunday, 2 March.

They will, naturally, be favourites to overcome Rangers' conquerors Queen's Park and book a Scottish Cup semi-final date at Hampden, then face three bottom-six clubs and a clash with the Ibrox side on the final weekend of the regular season.

There are some tantalising fixtures to come, and if Aberdeen have indeed turned a corner, an opportunity to reassert themselves behind the Glasgow two.

"Everyone knows the run we've been on so of course I'm happy," said Thelin.

"I know how hard everyone is working to get this win and also stay stable when it was difficult times.

"We didn't get panicked or stressed. It was nice to take the three points and it was nice to celebrate the way we did at the end."