On a frigid night at Ibrox, Rangers continued their impressive resurgence under manager Danny Rohl with a commanding 2-0 victory over a struggling Aberdeen side. The win, built on two first-half headers from corners, marks the team's fourth consecutive league victory and significantly tightens the title race.
Rangers' Set-Piece Mastery Seals the Points
Coming just days after a monumental win at Celtic Park, Rangers showed no signs of a derby hangover. They controlled the tempo from the outset, with their dominance crystallising through two expertly worked set-pieces. Connor Barron was the architect for both goals, delivering pinpoint corners that Aberdeen failed to handle.
The opener arrived when Barron's delivery caused chaos in the six-yard box. Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov stumbled at the crucial moment, allowing Manny Fernandez to nod home his fifth goal of the season. The second goal followed a similar pattern before halftime. Another Barron corner found Nico Raskin darting to the near post, and his header squirmed through Mitov's grasp to double the lead.
The precision of the dead-ball routines highlighted the impact of set-piece coach Scott Fry, who joined the backroom staff in November. His work on the training ground is providing a tangible edge for Rohl's side.
Aberdeen's Woes Deepen at Ibrox
For Aberdeen, interim manager Peter Leven could only watch as his team produced a performance lacking conviction. This defeat represents their fifth loss in six matches, leaving them adrift in the league table. The visitors offered little threat for most of the evening, with striker Kenan Bilalovic wasting two golden opportunities in the first half through poor control.
While they showed a minor resurgence late in the game, forcing Jack Butland into one smart save, a comeback never looked plausible. The team's confidence appears shattered, and with the top six places slipping away, the pressure is mounting at Pittodrie ahead of the weekend's rematch.
Rohl's Remarkable Turnaround Gathers Pace
The victory underscores the remarkable job Danny Rohl has done since taking charge. From failing to win any of their first five league games, Rangers are now firmly in the title conversation. Their record under Rohl stands at an impressive 10 wins, two draws, and just one defeat in the Scottish Premiership.
This run of form has seen them slash a once 12-point deficit to Hearts down to just three points, albeit having played a game more. More symbolically, the recent results have propelled Rangers above Celtic in the table for the first time this season, marking a dramatic shift in momentum.
The team displayed a confidence and authority at Ibrox that was absent in the early months of the campaign. While Rohl will demand improvement, the contrast with the struggles of August is stark. Rangers now march to Pittodrie for Sunday's league encounter with all the momentum, knowing another performance of this calibre will likely yield the same outcome.
