Speaking after the Dons had played out a 0-0 stalemate with Dundee at Pittodrie, Peter Leven pointed to missed chances in the first half as the decisive phase of the game.

“It was one of the biggest games of two halves I’ve seen. I thought we were a really good first half. I turned around to the bench and said that we needed to score when we’re on top, and that was the thing that let us down first half. We caused problems, they had to change shape, then they changed personnel second half, but we had to score in the first half.

“I thought we were good overall, the tempo, the pressing, the intensity we played at, but just in front of goal we’re just a wee bit shy right now. Duk was brilliant today, they couldn’t handle him, especially the first half. I think the wind helped us in the first half as well, and kind of went against us a wee bit second half. They were on the front foot and putting pressure on us more, but we’re pleased with the clean sheet, another point. I’m going to take positives from that and it’s four unbeaten now.”

Looking ahead to next week’s Scottish Cup semi-final with Celtic, Leven insisted that the Dons will go there in positive mood.

“We’ve kept another clean sheet today and any time you play Celtic or Rangers, you’ve got to keep it tight at the back, so we’ll work on it this week, we’ll prepare for Celtic. The pressure is always on, it’s Aberdeen, we’ve got to go there and believe we’re going to win, that’s the message I’m going to give.”