Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin was delighted not just with the three points after Motherwell were well beaten at Pittodrie, but with the controlled aggression with which the Dons tackled the fixture.

“We want to grow every week. I think we showed our supporters today what we want to be with the pressing and the transitions and the aggression when we arrive to the box. It was a sell-out and the fans keep pushing the team and that’s togetherness. It’s so important for now, but also in the future to grow as a club and grow as a team and be competitive in the long term.

“We started the game really well and then they scored more or less the first time they attacked, but the reaction was really strong. We did the things we want to do and try again and believed in the team.

“It was a good performance today. The most important thing for me is the quality inside the squad is growing. We have healthy competition inside, we have had some players out because of injuries the whole season, but still we can perform as a team.

“We also see how more and more players take responsibility for results. We know some qualities of some players, but now they manage the games and keep the balance of the team, then do a little bit extra with their qualities in the right moment of the game.

“So with Leighton, we know his qualities in attack, but how he balanced the team today and took responsibility to not get too exposed, it was nice to see his responsibility there also.

“Kevin’s goals are important, but you see how he takes responsibility too. I’ve talked about it before, he’s winning the ball back, he’s helping the defence, he’s pressing from behind and creating transitions for us, but still arriving at the scoring chances. That’s how he has grown as a player this season.

“That is the best part of the job, when you work so close with players and see them grow and get the result from them, the individual parts inside the game that can help the team.

“It was super nice for Alfie to get his first goal, and it was an important one. When new players arrive, it takes time. Everybody wants it to happen quick, but it’s a new environment for Alfie. It’s a new context, new team-mates, a different kind of team-mates. I think he adapted really well and is taking responsibility and adaptation to the league in our style. He’s been really good now in the last games.

“It was important to win this first game after the break. From the beginning if the season, we have a clear picture for the long term, but this season we want to qualify in Europe. I think it’s important for us and we will try until the last game, both in the Cup and in the league. Nothing has changed with what we’re pushing for. Now we have to focus on the next game away against Ross County and put all our energy on that.”