The best has yet to come from a new-look Aberdeen side that remain undefeated domestically and level on points at the top of the table with Celtic.
There will be frustration that the Dons’ 100% winning start to the Premiership campaign ended with a 0-0 stalemate against Hearts at Murrayfield.
Especially as it took a series of superb saves from keeper Joe Lewis to secure that point.
Although it is dropped points, the bottom line is that Aberdeen have enjoyed a strong start to the season – and they are nowhere near finding top gear yet.
Considering the number of new players that were drafted into the squad during the summer it has been a very encouraging opening.
After securing eight new players it will take time for manager Derek McInnes to find that right blend. The manager is still trying to find that perfect mixture of players and it will take a little time.
After a summer of change Aberdeen are very strong and have options in every area now.
Securing cover for the centre-back position before the transfer window recently closed was very important.
Signing Dominic Ball on loan from Rotherham provides an added level of physicality, and he had a decent Dons debut.
In the midfield and attack there are plenty of options available to McInnes and it will be a case of finding the right ones for each individual game.
Aberdeen are very well placed for another successful season.
McInnes needed to bring in strong additions because the Premiership will be even tougher this season.
The league has had an unusual spin to it over the last six seasons. Rangers had their troubles and Hearts and Hibs also had spells out of the top flight.
Now they are all back. If Hearts get their act together under Craig Levein they could be up there challenging, and Rangers are the strongest they have been for a number of years. Defending champions Celtic have the edge and will take some stopping, so the target is likely to be second and keeping as close to the Parkhead side as they can.
There will be heightened competition to the Dons this season but the early signs have been encouraging that they are more than up to the challenge.
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