Aberdeen’s target for the New Year should be to go one better than 2017 by lifting the Scottish Cup as well as securing that second-placed finish again.
The Dons called time on a successful 2017 to go into the winter break in second spot and having secured more points than they had at this stage last year.
In all the seasons Derek McInnes has been Aberdeen manager, this campaign will be the toughest test in the battle to finish second.
As was shown in the goal-less draw at Pittodrie, Hearts are a very difficult team to beat and Rangers also put up a strong display to hold Celtic 0-0.
We cannot forget Rangers recently beat Aberdeen twice and were the better team on both occasions.
So the Dons have to be mindful the Ibrox club are not too far away in terms of that second spot.
Although Aberdeen demolished Hibs at Pittodrie 4-1 recently, they will also be a threat.
It is a tougher top six than it has been for many years but Aberdeen go into the winter shut-down in the driving seat. Their target is to remain there.
The Dons should also aspire to lift the Scottish Cup at Hampden in May.
Aberdeen did really well in the final last season against Celtic and were unfortunate to lose out 2-1 to a late goal.
When you get that taste of Scottish cup finals you want to be there time after time. However, they face a tough test on the first stage of the Scottish Cup with a home clash against Championship leaders St Mirren in the first game after the shutdown.
There can be no complaint from the Dons about going into the shutdown on the back of a draw at Pittodrie.
Although Aberdeen dominated the ball and created chances the Jambos probably created the clearer goal-scoring opportunities.
It was a defensive display from Hearts and a set-up manager Craig Levein was forced into as he had a lot of injuries and a lot of youngsters playing. Hearts’ defensive record has been strong under Craig Levein and it was always going to be a challenge to break them down.
Ryan Christie looked the more likely to get in behind them and produce the cross that might turn the game in Aberdeen’s favour.
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