Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes his players have learned the art of patience at Pittodrie.
The Dons had to wait for the breakthrough despite dominating Dundee for long spells in Saturday’s 2-0 win.
The free-flowing football of the first half was substituted by grit and determination for the second before a fine 20-pass move ended with Jonny Hayes crossing the ball for Adam Rooney to head home the vital breakthrough goal.
McInnes is pleased to see his side handle the expectation when an early goal fails to materialise and believes Saturday’s win, the club’s fourth consecutive victory, highlights the improvement in his squad.
He said: “There was a real appetite to not let them enjoy the game. It’s that sort of determination, confidence and belief that helped us win the game.
“Last season it took us a while to find any sort of consistency, it’s important to get into your stride as quickly as possible. Everybody’s playing their part.
“Saturday was a very strong and confident performance, especially in the first half.
“There was so much to like about us in the first half and we had total dominance against a good side.
“We didn’t let frustration or anxiety get the better of us and the players deserve credit for staying strong when Dundee had a good start to the second half.
“The first goal took a bit longer than we would have liked but to win the game and keep another clean sheet is pleasing. It was important we didn’t let the frustration and the need for that goal.”
Summer additions Danny Ward, Graeme Shinnie and Paul Quinn have been central figures in the club’s impressive European and domestic displays so far and McInnes is delighted to see his new recruits settle in quickly at Pittodrie.
The Dons manager said: “We’ve signed St Mirren’s captain in Kenny McLean, Inverness’ captain in Graeme and Ross County’s in Paul. He is older but he brings experience and nous and was a hugely influential player in Ross County’s upsurge in form last season.
“We can’t always sign young players. We need experience, too, and we’ve lost Russell Anderson’s experience at the back. Paul can play in a couple of positions and we’re delighted to have him on board.
“Danny, for someone so young, has a stature about him and he has looked solid so far. He is highly rated at Liverpool and we’re grateful to Brendan Rodgers for letting us have him for the season.”