Rangers fail to build on from their seven-game winning run as Dundee hold Derek McInnes’ men to a draw in an entertaining Saturday night contest.
Dangerous Dundee – Throughout the first half and majority of the second, Dundee proved to be a real handful for Rangers. Steven Pressley’s side deserve enormous credit for their determination and grit to pick up an important point. Even when they went 2-1 down and Rangers looked to be in cruise control, they fought right until the end and showed tremendous composure and quality in the final third when they got their chances. This squad of players seem to really be gelling together.
Careless Calamities – If Rangers want to win the league, mistakes like tonight can’t happen again. For Dundee’s opener, Dujon Sterling switches off as a looping-ball causes chaos in the Rangers box. In situations like this, dealing with the danger is the main priority. Instead, Sterling loses possession and proceeds to stop and put his hands on his head when the ball is still in play. Bradley Fink takes full advantage of the mistake and rounds Ivor Pandur before squeezing the ball into the net.
After strong recent performances, tonight will be an evening to forget for Rangers’ stand in captain, Dan Neil. The Englishman’s appalling pass back towards his goalkeeper was intercepted by Callum Jones, who calmly slotted his strike past Pandur. And after putting themselves in such a comfortable situation, Rangers gifted Dundee a way back into the game once again. For a team who want to win trophies, costly errors can’t happen again.
Bright Bouanani – Badredine Bouanani’s involvement in the starting XI may have come as a surprise to many Rangers fans. However, the Algerian international looked bright every time he got the ball. And to top it all off, his wonder strike at the end of the first half, coupled with his strong deliveries into the danger area, may earn him more minutes as the fixtures come thick and fast.
Raskin’s Rocket – Nico Raskin produced a goal of the season contender in the 60th minute. The Belgian international scored a rocket from about 40 yards out to give Rangers a 2-1 lead after a strong start to the second half. Unfortunately for Raskin, it was hero to zero for Rangers. His outrageous effort was quickly overshadowed by the defensive error which followed, ultimately causing Rangers the three-points.
Slip and Slide – Djeidi Gassama experienced a tough night at Dens Park, constantly losing his footing during crucial moments as Rangers looked for a winner. His repeated slips during promising attacks prevented Rangers in two key moments. A difficult night for the winger, and certainly the bin for the footwear.
