Kris Boyd and Derek McInnes react to Rangers dropping points at Aberdeen
Rangers were second best and “lucky” to get away with a 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw at Aberdeen last night, according to Kris Boyd.
The former Gers striker felt like the escape could act as a “reminder” to keep standards from dropping.
The league record scorer was speaking live on the Sky Sports broadcast of the game alongside Derek McInnes who agreed that Aberdeen looked most likely to win the game, even before Ryan Kent’s red card.
The ex-Ibrox midfielder and Dons manager said: “I think Rangers looked a wee bit undercooked. I know they came here with a few problems, a few key players missing. Aberdeen looked more ready for the game.”
And Boyd believed the Light Blues lacked control, saying: “From Rangers’ point of view, Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be a little bit disappointed that when they did get the ball, the turnover of possession was pretty easy for Aberdeen.”
Wake up call
After a practically faultless start to life as Gers manager, Giovanni van Bronckhorst may have had a shock to the system with the turn of events at Pittodrie last night.
The league-leaders rode their luck in the opening exchanges but looked to have established control over the game when Ianis Hagi put them ahead in the 20th minute, seconds after the home side felt they should have had a penalty.
Recent form might have suggested that the visitors would go on to consolidate that lead in the second half, but Aberdeen continued to pressure them and drew level through Lewis Ferguson’s penalty in the 71st minute.
There was an element of luck in the ball striking Alfredo Morelos’ arm but the Dandies were proving good value for the scoreline.
As both the Sky Sports pundits suggested, the final quarter of the match looked like it was only going to see one winner, especially once Kent was sent off for two bookable offences in relatively quick succession.
Although two points were dropped and the gap at the top has been narrowed, to escape with a draw is not a disaster and may be the shock to the system that the side need on return from the winter break.
It is probably better to get any complacency out of the way sooner rather than later with a huge Old Firm derby coming up.
The challenge now will be to redouble efforts and get back to winning ways.
In other Rangers news, this fan favourite was very unhappy with the performance last night.