Graeme Murty, the caretaker boss of Rangers FC, was hoping to replicate Wednesday’s result and secure back to back wins against Aberdeen before handing the role over to the current Dons gaffer Derek McInnes who is poised to step down in order to take charge of the Gers from the next game onward.
Murty, however, has done a splendid job in his interim role considering the damage that has already been done by former Gers boss Pedro Caixinha before facing a dismissal sack. A win over the Dons would have taken them into the second slot behind league leaders and age-old rivals Celtic and midweek’s 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Ibrox made the Gers confident enough to pull off another productive outcome this afternoon at Pittodrie Stadium.
The game, however, proved to be an end-to-end encounter and the visitors clinched a narrow 2-1 win despite being down to ten men for the final half-hour of the game.
Below are the Rangers players rated from their huge win against Aberdeen.
Wes Foderingham: 8
The custodian made some routine stops, was busier during the final half-an-hour of the game since conceding from a spectacular free-kick by Don teenager Frank Ross. Was confident with his outing and clearances.
James Tavernier: 7.5
The right-back was excellent while going forward, linked up beautifully with fellow teammates and whipped in a few sublime crosses from the right-hand flank. Could have done better defensively as he didn’t track back at times and the Dons were allowed space to attack from their left.
David Bates: 8
The youngster did well defensively and covered the space left open by Tavernier while going forward. Was calm, composed and steady to clinch a win despite being down to ten men.
Danny Wilson: 7.5
Wilson’s looping header from Declan John’s free-kick earned the Gers an early lead. Was forced to come off at half-time with a mild concussion and replaced by Fabio Cardoso.
Declan John: 7
John’s left-footed free-kick inside the box was converted by Wilson to earn the visitors an early lead. He made some decent runs down the left-hand flank, combined well with Windass and Miller but his crosses lacked accuracy this afternoon.
Ross McCrorie: 7.5
The teenager once again impressed in his defensive midfield role as he screened his defence, won duels and broke down plenty of Aberdeen’s moves deep down the midfield.
Ryan Jack: 7
The former Aberdeen man was outstanding with his hard work, covered every blade of grass but had an unfortunate conclusion when he was shown a straight red for his challenge on Stevie May. It was Jack’s fourth sent-off in Rangers’ shirt since completing a summer move at Ibrox.
Jason Holt: 8
Holt had a decent outing, had to take added responsibility after Jack’s dismissal and controlled the game from the middle of the park.
Carlos Pena: 6.5
Pena troubled the Dons defence with his physicality, link-up play and down the middle runs. Was taken off after Jack’s dismissal as Murty made a tactical alteration by bringing in Daniel Candeias.
Kenny Miller: 8.5
Miller will be 38 this month but played like a young gun throughout the game. Worked hard, tracked back to win back possession and carry the ball forward by his won. Forced the Dons custodian Joe Lewis to make a decent stop early in the second half.
Josh Windass: 8
Windass was booked early for a blatant dive but kept the host defence on toes with his quick movements, footwork, and runs. Forced Lewis to make a decent first-half stop but found the back of the net in the second-half to double the lead after converting Candeias’ exquisite low cross.
Substitutes
Fabio Cardoso: 7
Came in place of Danny Wilson at half-time. Looked impressive in central defence and saw out the pressure piled by the hosts during the last half-an-hour of the game.
Daniel Candeias: 7
Came in place of Pena. Helped the Gers to double the lead with a sensational low cross for Windass who made no mistake to put it into the back of the net.
Eduardo Herrera: NA
Was booked Played too little to warrant a rating.
