Aberdeen proved they really are Scottish Premiership title challengers after they deservedly beat Rangers at a bouncing Pittodrie.
The game unsurprisingly began in frantic fashion as both sides struggled to keep the ball for a sustained period of time.
Rangers had the first opportunity of the clash when Cyriel Dessers’ neat footwork led to a shot on goal, but his effort was tame and saved easily by Dimitar Mitov.
Aberdeen then had their own chances to score through Jamie McGrath and Nicky Devlin, the Irishman’s effort a good hit but blocked before Jack Butland could attempt to make a save.
Ester Sokler was livid not too long later when he thought a free-kick should have been awarded after he tumbled to the floor under Leon Balogun’s challenge.
The Nigerian got the slightest of touches on the ball but took plenty of Sokler when he was through on goal – it was a big call by referee John Beaton that was backed up by VAR.
But Sokler was grinning from ear to ear moments later. Nicky Devlin’s composed half volley was rifled home after excellent work on the left by Jack MacKenzie, who delivered the cross for the Scotland cap.
Absolute bedlam in the stands ensued with Aberdeen deservedly in the lead – and it could have been more in the phases of play that followed.
Rangers were on the ropes defensively and it appeared their night was going to get a whole lot worse.
John Souttar was penalised for handball after the ball clearly struck his arm in the penalty area. Beaton missed it initially but was called to the monitor by VAR to have a check himself.
He awarded the penalty but McGrath could not convert for Aberdeen, blowing the opportunity to go 2-0 up before the interval.
Rangers thought they had equalised through Ross McCausland when he tapped home from close range. However, he was adjudged to be offside when Nedim Bajrami squared it to the winger. Sigh of relief for the Aberdeen faithful as they went in 1-0 at the break.
The visitors showed a lot more hunger getting forward early in the second-half but they still lacked the required quality to haul themselves level – until the 62nd minute.
Nedim Bajrami showed great feet on the left before stabbing an effort into opposite corner to silence Pittodrie – in fairness, the leveller was probably deserved.
But Aberdeen held firm defensively and their reward? A second goal after 73 minutes through the revitalised Shayden Morris who blasted home after Nicky Devlin’s toe poked effort hit both posts.
It was a shambles for Rangers at the back with James Tavernier failing to clear his lines before Devlin’s shot at goal.
From thereon in, Rangers huffed and puffed to find a leveller but they ran out of time as Aberdeen held firm to deliver yet another three points.
Here’s what Not The Old Firm learned from the game on a massive night in the north-east.
Aberdeen handed Rangers first-half battering
Aberdeen were absolutely everything Rangers weren’t in the opening 45 minutes. They were more physical, ran harder, played better passes and most importantly, had shots on goal that kept Jack Butland occupied.
Jamie McGrath saw a shot blocked while captain Graeme Shinnie hit a post with his drive from outside the box.
Rangers were penned in with Aberdeen delivering attack after relentless attack. And they really should have been up 2-0 at the interval with not just the chances they had, but because of the penalty awarded to them.
McGrath’s effort from 12 yards was tame and Aberdeen fans were hoping that it wasn’t a moment that was going to be regretted later on in the encounter.
Dons held firm defensively
Rangers, as mentioned, did have a period of dominance early in the second-half and they got their equaliser in that time.
They continued to pepper Aberdeen’s goal after Bajrami’s well-taken strike but the home side showed their mettle and will to hold on and keep it at 1-1.
It was a period which exemplified Aberdeen’s mental strength and togetherness as a team. Bodies were being thrown on the line, tackles were flying in and there was just a sheer desire to prevent the ball from going into the back of the net again.
This is team with Premiership title-winning qualities, there’s no denying it. Being nine points clear of Rangers and still level with Celtic also proves this fact.
VAR utilised well on three occasions
Across the clash, VAR had to be used. The first was when Sokler was brought down by Balogun through on goal but replays did show the ball was won by the Rangers defender.
The Souttar penalty flashpoint was also handled correctly. The former Hearts star’s arm was out as the ball blasted off it and Beaton identified this at the monitor pitchside. It was just a shame McGrath couldn’t capitalise to make it 2-0.
VAR was brought into action again when Ross McCausland was adjudged to be marginally offside after tapping in what he thought was a Rangers equaliser in the first-half.
This was a good night for Beaton and the VAR officials amid a high profile clash beamed live on Sky Sports.