Derek McInnes secured his first Premiership win as Rangers boss with a 1-0 victory at Aberdeen, praising his side's battling display as the perfect response to their midweek European exit.
Lawrence Shankland's second-half penalty, won by Djeidi Gassama, proved decisive at Pittodrie, giving McInnes the result he craved after Rangers crashed out of the Conference League in the Czech Republic on Thursday night.
McInnes hails 'deserved win'
After celebrating with Rangers supporters who chanted his name at full-time, McInnes said: "It was a strong performance and a deserved win. We were good in the game.
"I thought we looked like a team and I got a sense of the team that I'd like us to be.
"It was the team that I hoped we could be but we still need to show our teeth a bit more as an attacking Rangers team.
"Any sort of win today was vitally important for obvious reasons. This venue hasn't been easy for Rangers teams, we've not had a great record up here.
"So we've won a tough away game and deservedly so. The effort from the team was first class.
"We dug deep. It's been a tough couple of days but we got our reward today.
"Probably for the first time this season, I really enjoyed watching the team. There's been momentary moments of enjoyment.
"A couple of wins and some passages of play. We know when you come here you can't be sparkling for 90 minutes.
"But you need to compete and bring quality. I thought we did that in abundance today.
"I've always wanted to do that at Pittodrie, get over and clap with the Rangers fans and celebrate.
"Their backing was brilliant on Thursday, they were the only ones who represented the club properly.
"We took ownership of letting them down. Winning up there is always a big thing for a Rangers supporter - I know how important it is.
"I thought we had enough quality that you'd expect from a Rangers team - but also the togetherness and competitive side that should be there in every game.
"So we'll take the three points, get back down the road and get ourselves ready for Falkirk on Wednesday."
Transfer plans taking shape
Rangers' new £8.5 million signing Minsu Kim impressed on his debut after arriving from Girona.
McInnes still wants more additions before the transfer window closes, with Portland Timbers striker Kevin Kelsy expected to be the next arrival for £9 million.
Nico Raskin was again left out of the squad for Pittodrie but no bids have been received for the Belgian.
McInnes said: "In terms of outs, there's nothing imminent and there has been no offers for Nico.
"It's normally the last couple of days of the window when things really start to crank up so we need to be primed for that.
"In terms of people coming in, it's been a while now since Youssef Chermiti went down injured against Hibs so we're really keen and eager to get the striker that we want.
"It's taken a bit longer but it's not reasons the club are guilty for. We all know the importance of bringing that quality at the top end of the pitch."
