Rangers dropped into the bottom half of the table courtesy to a late sensational free-kick from Aberdeen substitute James Maddison. The Ibrox side had not visited the Granite City in four and a half years time. They were not particularly bad in their return to Pittodrie but the lack of prolificacy cost the Gers big time. Mark Warburton’s side were better of the two teams for the major part of the game but could not make their dominance count.
Aberdeen took the lead as Aberdeen winger Johnny Hayes stroked the home side ahead 22 seconds into the second half. Rangers came back into the game and Hayes was involved in the goal as he impeded Rangers skipper Lee Wallace inside the box. Andy Halliday converted the penalty calmly. Rangers fans thought that they were going back home with a point from Pittodrie but young Norwich City loanee James Maddison scored a sensational free kick from 25 yards out to get the dons all three points.
Here are the player ratings for Rangers from the game-
Wes Foderingham: 6/10
Could not have done any better for the goals he conceded. Was comfortable with the ball in his feet and distributed nicely.
James Tavernier: 6/10
As usual, the full-back bombed forward in every opportunity. Was caught out of position at times. Booked! Needs to be defensively better.
Clint Hill: 5.5/10
We cannot really blame the veteran but his lack of pace encouraged Aberdeen to hit on the counter.
Danny Wilson: 6.5/10
Was comfortable on the ball and passed very well. Covered a lot of space. Did his level best but his defensive colleagues let him down. Booked!
Lee Wallace: 6/10
Just like his fellow full-back on the opposite flank, the Rangers skipper burst forward on every opportunity. Earned the penalty after a strong run from the left flank.
Jason Holt: 6.5/10
Ran tirelessly in midfield. Controlled the game really well. Did not deserve to be on the losing side.
Andy Halliday: 7/10
Did everything you expect from a central midfielder. Passed excellently and dictate the tempo of the game. Struck the penalty with a cool head.
Harry Forrester: 6.5/10
The Englishman covered a lot of ground but he lacked the final pass which was expected of him.
Martyn Waghorn: 6/10
Looked uncomfortable on the right flank. Could not find too many opportunities.
Joe Garner: 5.5/10
Poor positioning and movement from the forward. A wasteful performance up front.
Barrie McKay: 5.5/10
Failed to create any clear-cut chances for his team.
Substitutes
Niko Kranjcar: 6.5/10
Showed why he deserves to start right after replacing Forrester. Created a number of good chances but the forwards were wasteful.
Michael O’Halloran: 5/10
Did not have too much impact in the game.
Kenny Miller: NA
