Rangers Fan View: Five talking points as Aberdeen are downed

The myth that Aberdeen are the second best team in Scotland was smashed to smithereens as Rangers proved – for the third time this season – that we are superior to Aberdeen on every single level.

The 2-0 scoreline was a comfortable one. In fact, it could and probably should have been more.

It wasn’t a vintage performance from us as the last 10 minutes we kind of lost our shape and allowed Aberdeen to get plenty of efforts at our goal.

However, it was enough to get the win and it certainly gives me some cautious optimism for the games ahead.

READ MORE: Everton need to leave Goodison Park – but it could be a bumpy ride on the way to Bramley Moore dock

READ MORE: Phil Neville’s hiring shows the flaws of the Football Association, and why reform is much needed

We dodged a bullet with Derek McInnes

This victory further demonstrated that Rangers got away with one when Derek McInnes turned the job down. For the third time in succession, he was outthought by Graeme Murty. I am not Murty’s biggest cheerleader but for me, he is a better choice for us than McInnes would have been. Murty again proved that pace and having a solid shape is the best way to get at Aberdeen, targeting their full-backs and having his 10 – Windass in this case – and Morelos run in behind their centre-backs.

McInnes, on the other hand, used the same tactic as he did in the 3-0 defeat against us in the last match at Ibrox: lump it wide and try and win as many flick-ons as you can. One-dimensional and ultimately losing football.

READ MORE: Ryan Giggs holds talks with ex-Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes about joining him at Wales

READ MORE: PSG promise to sell Neymar to Real Madrid on one condition

Wes Foderingham and James Tavernier were outstanding

It was a game that both of those guys mentioned above shone. Foderingham pulled off three top-class saves and again proved his doubters wrong. It was no surprise that Murty went straight over to him after the final whistle. I tend to agree with Murty’s view that he is the best keeper in the country.

Meanwhile, Tavernier proved again how important he is to the side. Not only did he tuck away his penalty expertly, he drove the team on. His deep runs from the right-back area into Aberdeen territory caused them real problems. Furthermore, his cross for the first goal was right out of the top drawer – right on Morelos’ head. I won’t forget to mention his defending, which was exemplary all night long.

READ MORE: As Leeds fans diss the badge, what other owners enraged their own supporters?

READ MORE: Trading Sergio Aguero for Antoine Griezmann is a risk Manchester City simply don’t need to take

We now have balance on both wings

Graeme Murty went with a 4-2-3-1 shape and for the first time all season, we weren’t lopsided. Candeias worked back and was a threat on the right and Murphy also worked back and was a threat cutting in on the left. They pinned Logan and Considine back, which gave us a great platform to go and win the game. Candeias vs Considine was a one-sided battle and it was great to see the little Portuguese winger come out on top.

Alfredo Morelos is worth his weight in gold

The little man got another goal. He’s on 11 for the season, but he really is going to blossom into a top player. He’s by far the best striker we have at the club just now. On another night, he could have been taking the match ball home with him. O’Connor and McKenna are currently struggling to climb out of his back pocket; he bullied them all evening. One thing that stands out is his hold-up play, it’s getting better every week. He is a player who uses his backside very well to hold off defenders and keep possession of the ball. I think the addition of Cummings will keep him on his toes and he will be even better in the coming matches because of the new competition for his starting spot.

Jason Holt gave a captain’s performance

I was surprised when I saw Jason Holt lead the team out. I never had him down as captain material. However, I will doff my cap to him; he put in a display to be proud of. He covered every blade of grass and made sure Ryan Christie had no impact on the match. I even saw him barking orders, which I didn’t think was in his make-up. Good all-round performance.