Football prospects in the Granite City look suspiciously rosy for Derek McInnes and Aberdeen, which is why an air of caution may start to set in the minds of the Red Army.
No where in the world does understated optimism like Aberdeen and no one is more streetwise than the average Aberdonian.
Dangling before the Don’s supporters this season are a lot of carrots – the strength of the squad, new arrivals Ross McCrorie and Marely Watkins, the form of Ferguson, Hoban and Hedges, Dons stalwart Andrew Considine’s superb introduction to the international stage at the ripe age of 33, and the imminent return of Cosgrove, Main, Kennedy, et al.
“I think you need to get through the first round of games then round about the Christmas period gives you some semblance of how the season will play out.”
Derek McInnes
The Dons are turning things round in a seemingly big way after the early season disasters of the opening day loss to Rangers and the debacle round the breaking of covid rules.
A resounding win against Hamilton on Tuesday and a convincing victory over nearest rivals Hibernian a few weeks ago leaves the Dons as favourites for third and only three points behind Celtic after ten league games – coining Spurs fans; ‘to do is to dare’.
-Match report: Aberdeen equalise in injury time to draw 3-3 with Celtic
However Derek McInnes, reassuringly, is keeping his feet on the ground, saying it’s a fool’s game to take too much from the league table this early in the season.
McInnes said midweek: “I think you need to get through the first round of games then round about the Christmas period gives you some semblance of how the season will play out.”
In Parkhead, home of nine in a row goliaths Celtic, things are by no means as picturesque as they are on the North East coast at the moment.
“There is a long way to go and plenty of time to improve and bounce back.”
Neil Lennon
Celtic don’t seem their old self this season, struggling with a three at the back system, worries over player motivations, captain Scott Brown looks like he’s finally lost his legs and two crippling defeats, against AC Milan last night and more pertinently against Rangers at Parkhead last weekend, mean Celtic are stuck in the mire (and absolute failure for Hoops fans) of being in the runners-up position, four points behind Rangers with a game in hand.
In the face of these mounting problems Neil Lennon is not handing in the towel, and by no means should he.
Lennon said about the defeat against Rangers and looking forward at the season’s prospects: “There’s a long way to go and plenty of time to improve and bounce back. They (the players) should be proud of what they’ve achieved and can achieve going forward. All is not lost on one result and one performance.”
Underestimate the Hoops at peril, and, in a cruel twist to life, that underestimation tends to creep in when optimism is high.
With the quality of their squad, Celtic will not continue these dreary performances all season.
Things are looking up for the Dons, and they’ve done great to be in the position they’re in, just be wary. Those carrots dangling in front of Aberdeen can easily be whipped away and replaced for sticks.
Dons brush Accies aside 4-2 with Lewis Ferguson’s strike pick of the bunch
Aberdeen finally got to play their rescheduled game against Hamilton on Tuesday night, which at last put the Dons ahead of third placed Hibernian.
It was more good news for the Dons with on-loan Leeds striker Ryan Edmondson getting his first two goals for the club, but the pick of the bunch was Lewis Ferguson scoring a thirty yard pile driver.
The Dons midfielder is becoming a valuable source of goals with Sam Cosgrove still missing. Ferguson has now netted six times in ten league games this season.
Aberdeen v Celtic, SPL, Sunday 25th October, 12pm KO
Harry Jamshid Reporter Sports Pages 