Rangers 2-0 Aberdeen

Fernandez (11′). Raskin (41′)

First-half headers from Emmanuel Fernandez and Nico Raskin secured a fourth straight league win for Rangers, as they continue their climb towards the summit of the Scottish Premiership.

The home side, inspired by their derby day victory over Celtic, started on the front foot, looking to leapfrog their fierce rivals into second place. Former Aberdeen youngster Connor Barron almost capitalised on a Dimitar Mitov mistake in the opening minutes, but could not direct his strike on goal from James Tavernier’s free-kick.

The lead arrived in the 10th minute thanks to Emmanuel Fernandez. The defender added his fifth goal of the season after leaping to convert Barron’s inswinging corner kick. Mitov claimed to be handled by Mikey Moore, but Nick Walsh quickly confirmed the opener.

Despite the routine start for the hosts, Kenan Bilalovic discovered a golden chance to strike level. Nicky Devlin’s hopeful ball split the Rangers’ backline, allowing Bilalovic to stride towards Jack Butland’s goal. But a poor touch from the Swede gave the goalkeeper precious time to gather.

Danny Rohl’s side reestablished their dominance, with half-chances for Barron and derby hero Mikey Moore, but Bilalovic would have yet another golden opportunity on the half-hour mark. Kevin Nisbet dispossessed Nico Raskin, and after racing toward goal, he squared to his fellow attacker. Once more, the Swede was unable to sort his feet, and the chance slipped away.

Mitov was alert to tip Tavernier’s whipping free kick over the bar as the game trickled towards halftime. Rangers had enjoyed plenty of possession since the Fernandez header, but were unable to fashion clear-cut chances throughout the first period.

That was until Raskin converted Barron’s latest delivery in the 40th minute. The Belgian midfielder darted towards the front post from the right-sided corner and headed across Mitov to double the Gers’ advantage. A frustrating end to the half for interim Aberdeen boss Peter Leven, whose side had disappointingly conceded from almost identical set pieces.

Raskin should have converted another set piece, this time from Tavernier, with seconds to play in the half. But it was so far so good for Rohl’s rejuvenated side.

Rangers continued to control the game in a comfortable second-half display. The incoming Thelo Aasgaard tested Mitov with a left-footed strike as the clock ticked towards the hour mark. Beforehand, Tavernier had jinked away from Graeme Shinnie on the edge of the box, but his right-footed strike rose over the bar.

Jack Butland had to be alert to tip Nisbet’s looping header around the post in a rare Aberdeen attack, before Dante Polvara headed over from the resultant corner. With ten minutes to play, Mitov produced a tremendous finger-tip save from Raskin’s darting 20-yard strike, which looked set to ripple the side-netting.

Victory secured 2nd spot for Rangers, who will meet managerless Aberdeen again next Sunday in the league. It remains to be seen if the Dons will have their man or if Leven will still be in the dugout.

Rangers: Butland 7 Tavernier 7 Souttar 7 Fernandez 8 Meghoma 7 Barron 9 Raskin 9 Diomande 7 Gassama 7 Chermiti 6 Moore 7

Substitutes: Aasgaard 6 Miovski 6 Sterling 6 Aarons 4 Danilo 4

Aberdeen: Mitov 4 Devlin 5 Milne 6 Knoester 5 Gyamfi 5 Shinnie 5 Kjartansson 5 Polvara 5 Armstrong 6 Bilalovic 3 Nisbet 5

Substitutes: Lazetic 4 Clarkson 4 Karlsson 4 Jensen 3 Keskinen 3