On a day where fierce rivals Hearts and Celtic clashed in Edinburgh, Rangers knew that nothing less than three points would suffice in their own fixture against Dundee at Ibrox. The performance, at times, was far from convincing, but the result was all that mattered as the Glasgow side ground out a 3-0 victory to maintain their title charge.
A perfect afternoon despite a lacklustre display
For long periods, this was a match characterised by sluggish play and a lack of cutting edge from the hosts. However, second-half goals from captain James Tavernier – including his 100th league goal for the club – followed by late strikes from substitutes Danilo and Djeidi Gassama, ensured the points stayed in Glasgow. The final scoreline flattered Rangers somewhat, as Dundee put up a resilient defensive display throughout.
Title race heats up
The victory marks Rangers' eighth consecutive win in all competitions, a run that has propelled them to within four points of league leaders Hearts, with Celtic a further two points adrift in third place. Manager Danny Rohl has performed a minor miracle with a squad that previously struggled under Russell Martin, transforming them into genuine title contenders.
Whisper it quietly, but Rangers may now be considered favourites for the Scottish Premiership crown. This burgeoning confidence could prove crucial in attracting transfer targets before the window closes, strengthening their hand in the market.
New signings make their mark
Two new recruits featured in the match, with Andreas Skov Olsen making his debut following his move from Wolfsburg. The Danish international, capped 40 times, showed glimpses of quality and was involved in the build-up to the penalty that broke the deadlock, though he failed to set the heather alight on this occasion.
Tochi Chukwuani also made his first start after a brief cameo last week. The former Sturm Graz midfielder was tidy in possession and offered a threat in the final third, only denied an early goal by a tight offside call. Both players are expected to improve as they integrate into a side brimming with confidence.
Areas for improvement remain
Despite the positive result, Rohl's revolution is far from complete. The attacking department still lacks quality, with Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski failing to impress. Miovski, in particular, looked a shadow of his former self, offering little despite poor service. Many fans have already made up their minds on the pair, and it's hard to disagree based on current evidence.
Match analysis: A slow start gives way to clinical finishing
Rangers began the match in underwhelming fashion, struggling to build momentum against a well-organised Dundee side. Nico Raskin was guilty of taking the easy option too often, while the overall tempo was lethargic. Thelo Aasgaard provided a rare spark, forcing Dundee keeper Jon McCracken into action with a powerful drive from distance.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead in the first half when Chukwuani headed home, only for the offside flag to cut celebrations short. Dundee grew into the game, with Cam Congreve causing problems on the counter, though their final ball let them down.
Penalty breakthrough sparks revival
Rangers improved after the break, winning a penalty within a minute of the restart when Ryan Astley fouled Raskin in the box. Tavernier stepped up to convert, as he so often does, giving his side a crucial lead. Dundee, to their credit, defended resolutely throughout, but a lack of guile in attack ultimately cost them.
Mikey Moore came close to doubling Rangers' advantage with a delightful curled effort, well saved by McCracken. However, the points were sealed in stoppage time when Danilo pounced on a loose ball to score, before Gassama added gloss with a wonderful curler into the far corner.
Ibrox atmosphere reaches fever pitch
The victory sent Ibrox into raptures, with the club's social media plea for fans to stay until the final whistle clearly heeded. Positivity is now flowing through the stands, a rare feeling for long-suffering Rangers supporters who have endured their fair share of disappointment in recent years.
Rangers (4-2-3-1): Butland 6; Tavernier 7, Djiga 6, Fernandez 6, Meghoma 6; Raskin 5.5, Chukwuani 6.5 (Diomande 53); Aasgaard 6.5 (Bajrami 73), Skov Olsen 6 (Gassama 74), Moore 6 (Curtis 81); Miovski 5 (Danilo 81). Booked: Djiga. Manager: Danny Rohl 7.
Dundee (4-1-4-1): McCracken 7; Wright 6, Astley 6, Graham 7, Samuels 7; Hamilton 6; Congreve 6 (Bevan 72), Jones 5 (Robertson 72), Dhanda 5 (Cotterill 82), Yogane 5 (Reilly 82); Hay 5 (Murray 81). Booked: Hamilton. Manager: Steven Pressley 5. Referee: Kevin Clancy 5. Attendance: 50,165.
