Aberdeen were able to earn a valuable result against Rangers, drawing 2-2 with the Gers after finding themselves 2-0 down.
Scott Arfield scored the first before former Don Ryan Jack netted after a spillage from Joe Lewis. Jon Gallagher got one fortunate goal back before Andy Considine stunned Rangers with an equaliser.
Gallagher got things going for Aberdeen against Rangers. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
Considering how the first half had gone, Aberdeen did extremely well in the second to take a point. Here are three things we learned.
Defensive plan from McInnes
From the off it looked pretty clear how McInnes was going to approach this match. He fielded six registered defenders.
It looked set to be a containment job for McInnes’ men but it all quickly unravelled. Two goals in the first 30 minutes looked to have killed the game off before Gallagher hit the net.
A crucial moment. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
Considine got them back into the game and slowly they started to settle back into their original plan. It was a horrific start from the Dons but in the end they got some reward at Pittodrie.
Passive start but second half spirit prevails
Dons fans could hardly be blamed for watching the first 30 minutes of the match through their fingers. Their side sat off Rangers, allowing them as much time on the ball as they pleased and Rangers were all too happy to accept this.
Nobody picked up Arfield for the first one and Lewis made an unfortunate error for second. Gallagher’s goal allowed them a way back into the game when they shouldn’t really have had one.
It’s not how you start… (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
In the second half Aberdeen were much improved and got back on level terms within minutes of the restart. McInnes sent them out aggressive, high pressing and full of momentum, forcing Rangers into mistakes. It changed the game and his side reaped the rewards of this.
Ferguson the Aberdeen driving force
Whilst the collective second half effort from Aberdeen was great, Lewis Ferguson deserves a special mention. He epitomized everything that was good about the Red Army in the second half.
He was full of energy and tenacious, driving his team up the park at every opportunity. The midfielder would use his body to draw fouls and protect the ball he was dribbling forward with.
Influential performance. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
It was one of his best performances in red and the young battler deserves praise after an immense performance.