Aberdeen’s turning point: A dramatic penalty save sparks hope

Jimmy Thelin believes Ross Doohan's heroics could reignite Aberdeen's season.

Aberdeen’s turning point: A dramatic penalty save sparks hope
In a season marked by struggle, Aberdeen’s boss Jimmy Thelin is clinging to a glimmer of hope following a dramatic last-minute penalty save by goalkeeper Ross Doohan. The Dons were on the brink of their sixth consecutive defeat when Hearts were awarded a penalty in the dying moments of the match.

However, Doohan’s quick reflexes not only denied Jorge Grant but also provided a much-needed morale boost for the team.

Doohan’s heroics end losing streak

With the club facing its longest losing streak since 2010, the stakes were high as the clock ticked down.

The penalty, awarded for a foul by Sivert Heltne Nilsen on Kenneth Vargas, could have sealed Aberdeen’s fate. Instead, Doohan’s save, which deflected the ball onto the post, secured a draw and halted a worrying trend of defeats. Thelin expressed his relief, stating, “When you make that save in the 93rd minute in the run we are on, you just want to hug him and say ‘thank you so much’.”

New signings bring fresh hope

Despite the ongoing challenges, Thelin is optimistic about the future. The club’s management has backed his efforts to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window. New signings Kristers Tobers and Jeppe Okkels made their debuts against Hearts, showcasing their potential to turn the season around. Thelin noted that Tobers, a Latvia international, displayed impressive organizational skills, while Okkels, on loan from Preston North End, also contributed positively to the team’s performance.

Focus on building consistency

Aberdeen’s recent performances have been a mixed bag, with the team struggling to find their footing. Thelin emphasized the importance of building on the positive momentum created by Doohan’s save. He stated, “You have to stop losing and start building from somewhere.” The Dons have not won in their last 11 games, but the manager believes that with the right mindset and continued effort, they can turn their fortunes around. The upcoming matches will be crucial as they aim to regain their competitive edge and secure vital points in the league.

Defensive improvements needed

One of the key areas Thelin is focusing on is the team’s defensive performance. Aberdeen had gone 13 games without a clean sheet, a statistic that has put immense pressure on their attacking players. Thelin remarked, “It’s important to have that feeling, especially the goals we had against us in the last couple of games which were too easy.” By tightening their defense, the Dons can alleviate some of the pressure on their forwards and create a more balanced team dynamic.

Injury concerns and squad depth

As the season progresses, injury concerns continue to plague the squad. Left-back Jack MacKenzie was absent from the match-day squad due to minor injuries, and Thelin is hopeful for his quick return. The depth of the squad will be tested as they navigate through a challenging fixture list, but the manager remains confident in the abilities of his players to step up when needed.

With a renewed sense of hope following Doohan’s heroics, Aberdeen is poised to embark on a crucial phase of their season. Thelin’s leadership and the contributions of new signings could be the key to unlocking the potential within the squad and steering the team back to winning ways.