Aberdeen’s new skipper Kevin Nisbet was thrilled to start his leadership of the club off with a win – and was quick to add that there was never any doubt that his 95th minute penalty was going to end up in the net. “I didn’t really feel any pressure with the delay. One of the Hearts players kind of tried to put me off as well, but I'm confident in the way I strike the ball. If I strike it well, then it'll go in. “While we were waiting, I was a bit worried for Ayoub, his eye didn't look great. He's put his body on the line and that's where the penalty comes from, him winning the header, then the ball in behind. He took one for the team, so I just wanted to make sure he was okay.

“Toyosi did really well for the penalty as well. He is always a threat. He gets a lot of flak when he doesn't really deserve it. I think the work he puts in for us, he'll just run him behind and he'll cause absolute mayhem. And it's great for me as well because it creates more space.

“Teams are terrified of his pace, so sometimes they double up, which creates more space for other players to go and play. He's a real asset to the team. Obviously he was unlucky to be brought down for the penalty, but I was actually shouting to him to go down to be honest! “I've not properly watched the first goal back yet. But I'm not sure if Mayo’s got it before or after it went over the line. Of course, I'll try and claim it as long as I can! But if it's not a goal, it's an assist. But it doesn't really matter as long as it goes in. That time of the game, it's just about getting back level, then wanting to get the winner as well.

“The overall game, I thought we were the better team. I thought we pressed well, forced mistakes. I don't think they cut us open too much. The first goal we conceded is poor from us, a couple of scuffed clearances, then the boy taps it in. But apart from that, I don't think there was too much from them, we dominated most of the game.

“But you have to go to the final whistle. That's what the gaffer's kind of instilling in us. A bit of resilience, a bit of character. We showed that today. The gaffer has brought in a lot of leaders, a lot of people that can carry the game when other people aren't playing well. I think we've got a lot of character, a lot of resilience and we will get better.

“I'm honoured to be captain, it’s a privilege. Aberdeen are a massive, massive club. We've had a lot of really good captains as well. I'm delighted to add my name to that. It's just about me trying to put my stamp on the club. I think when games are going the way they were today, I think a lot of people look towards you, there's a lot of responsibility.

“Today was just about getting three points, but we're not getting too carried away. It's a cracking way to start the campaign, you could probably see it by my celebration as well. The first league game is such an important game. To get three points is massive, but that’s done now. Now we go on to Dundee next week.”