Rangers climbed their way back to the Premiership with big ambitions but after seven games, they now find themselves in the bottom half of the table after a 2-1 loss to Aberdeen at Pittodrie. After four and a half years, The Gers travelled to the Granite City and marked their return with a loss. This defeat stretches the Gers’ winless run in the Premiership to four games and this is high time for Mark Warburton to address the vulnerabilities of his side.
Rangers dominated possession throughout the game but it was only possession without purpose. They lacked the cutting edge in their game and Aberdeen, on the counter, troubled the Gers time and time again. The Dons took the lead as Aberdeen winger Johnny Hayes stroked the home side ahead 22 seconds into the second half. The Rangers defence was caught asleep by the Irish winger.
Mark Warburton’s side 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. It looked like the Gers would go back home with one point from Pittodrie which is not the worst thing to happen but young attacking midfielder James Maddison had something else in his mind as he produced an absolute worldie in the dying minutes of the game. Very few though that the teenager could produce such a piece of magic from a 25-yard free kick but even Manuel Neuer could not have done any better to stop it from going in.
Mark Warburton’s tactics will once again be under scrutiny after this loss. The manager has constantly used 4-3-3 this season despite not getting the right result. Deploying Rangers’ best striker Waghorn on the flanks, sticking to a midfield trio- all these decisions will be coming under questions. The atmosphere at Pittodrie was brilliant today even though the level of football was not at par.
Twitter reacted to Rangers’ loss to Aberdeen. Celtic fans also took a dig at their rivals Rangers after this loss and why won’t they. It seems like the Hoops will have another easy ride to the title. Here are some best tweets on the game-
Need to get Rossiter and Windass fit together consistently. Can’t see it though. ????????
— Rangers Culture (@RangersCulture) September 25, 2016
If we are playing waggy we need to play him through the middle
— Rangers Loyal (@_Rangers_loyal_) September 25, 2016
Andy Halliday slams home a penalty to equalise for #Rangers.
Joey Barton right now… #LadbrokesPrem pic.twitter.com/UCexVSNk4Z
— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) September 25, 2016
To say that piece of defending from Rangers was schoolboy, would be an insult to schoolboys all over the world.
— Coral (@Coral) September 25, 2016
Good first half for Rangers. Had good spells but didn’t take their chances. Aberdeen with a couple of dangerous moments. Game on.
— Craig Moore (@CraigMoore_18) September 25, 2016
@Weakyleaky @bighilti @Nev_C The new Celtic have won more than the new The Rangers. That hurts too.
— TMacC (@tomfromireland) September 25, 2016
@richneu29 we r not sad Celtic fans, we are ecstatic, 8points clear &a game in hand. We were watchin aberdeen not sevco……
— neil mcfadzean (@mcfadzeanNeil) September 25, 2016
Was at the Aberdeen vs. The Rangers game today and all I have to say is…. #celtic #Aberdeen pic.twitter.com/eq6swfIavU
— Euan Milne (@E_Milne27) September 25, 2016
What do Rangers and Celtic fans have in common ? They both talk about Rangers on a daily basis.
— gaz (@garryinglis_72) September 25, 2016
“Rangers have the tools to hurt Celtic”?? I think that’s a lie…. pic.twitter.com/JyS37Y5qRC
— Specialbhoy (@specialbhoy) September 25, 2016
