Rangers face Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday afternoon.
The Gers earned an excellent 3-0 win over Derek McInnes’ side to leapfrog Hibernian into third place, thanks to a brace from James Tavernier and a tidy finish from Carlos Pena after Murty had rejigged the Gers formation.
It saw him play a diamond against the Dons at Ibrox, starting with Ross McCrorie in a deeper role, while Jason Holt and Ryan Jack were used as box-to-box midfielders. Pena started in attacking midfield behind Kenny Miller and Josh Windass.
Thompson claimed that the performance and result surprised him, and believes the pressure is now on Aberdeen to bounce back and secure a result at Pittodrie when the two sides meet on Sunday.
He also praised Murty for his tactical adjustment, stating that it brought the best out of teenager McCrorie and full-backs James Tavernier and Declan John as well as former Aberdeen ace and new Scotland international Ryan Jack.
“It was a surprising performance, given that I watched them up at Dundee and they were really poor,” Thompson said. “It shows that they have underachieved, but it also showed me that Graeme Murty can select a side.
“To move McCrorie into the sitting role in midfield was great. There is no doubt that Ryan Jack can perform better when getting forward, and I thought the front three caused Aberdeen problems as did the full-backs.
“You go into Sunday’s game there’s pressure on Aberdeen. They have a massive point to prove against Rangers, who have won four out of their last five trips to Pittodrie.”
Rangers’ last trip to Aberdeen resulted in a 3-0 win at Pittodrie, thanks to a brace from veteran Miller and a rare goal from substitute Joe Dodoo who is currently on loan with English League One outfit Charlton Athletic.
A win for Rangers will see then climb into second place and just four points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic, if Motherwell can finally end the Hoops 66-game unbeaten run on Saturday.
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