Rangers’ attempt to prevent Celtic achieving a tenth successive title opened with a valuable victory over Aberdeen behind closed doors at Pittodrie.
Ryan Kent scored the only goal of a one-sided contest which saw Aberdeen’s Andrew Considine sent off for a wild tackle on substitute Scott Arfield.
These teams received samples of this season’s match ball only two days before the first fixture and the impression from the pattern of first half play was that Aberdeen had yet to familiarise themselves with it. Rangers, by contrast, were loath to allow their opponents the opportunity to become better acquainted by maintaining possession which extended frequently to double figures of passes.
That much was to some extent predictable, given Aberdeen’s strategy of sitting deep in hope of striking on the counter. In those circumstances the irony turned out to be that it was Rangers who inflicted the sucker punch midway through the first half as a rare spell of Dons’ pressure ended with Allan McGregor clearing to Connor Goldson and the ball being shuttled on by Alfredo Morelos through the static home defence to Kent.
The Rangers forward drew Joe Lewis from his line to beat the Aberdeen goalkeeper with a measured left-foot shot for a goal that triggered raucous celebrations amongst the Rangers backroom staff, substitutes and directors.
In normal circumstances the response from an incensed home support would have been to howl their players into galvanised retaliation, or at least an attempt at such but, in the absence of such a consequence, Derek McInnes’s players continued on their one-paced way, with nothing to trouble McGregor other than a low drive from Joe Aribo which the keeper clutched comfortably on the deck.
The second half scarcely deviated from the pattern of the opening period, despite McInnes’ attempt to secure a more direct approach by the replacement of Bruce Anderson – filling in as striker in the absence of the injured pair of Sam Cosgrove and Curtis Main – with Ryan Edmondson, signed on loan from Leeds United on Friday.
There was, however, the unwelcome extension of the tendency of this fixture to yield an element of brutality, in this case when Considine left Arfield writhing with a two-footed challenge, punished by the sanction of a straight red card.
The expulsion of their longest-serving player effectively killed Aberdeen’s chances of a draw by allowing Rangers to run down the clock by playing the ball into the gaps left in the Dons’ depleted ranks. By virtue of the lunchtime kick-off, Steven Gerrard’s players found themselves to be the Scottish Premiership’s early pace makers.
Celtic will begin their attempt to win a tenth successive title at home to Hamilton on Sunday.
01:25 PM
Great start for Rangers
A tie that has proven tricky in the past for Rangers has given them a much needed three points this time around. Steven Gerrard congratulates Tavernier has the players leave the pitch, taking some time to give him some coaching and point out something he should have done during the game. High standards being set.
Scottish football is back!
01:23 PM
A wee stat for you
🔴 There have been 12 red cards in the last 15 league meetings between Aberdeen (7) & Rangers (5) - Andrew Considine has been shown 2 of them pic.twitter.com/U60sXJh8KT
A deserved win for Rangers who might feel like they could have done more. Aberdeen's season starts in disappointing fashion.
01:21 PM
90 mins+6 - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Rangers all over Aberdeen - as expected - in the final third for the last few minutes. Morelos shoots over, the ball is launched forward and surprise surprise, Rangers have possession again.
01:19 PM
90 mins+4 - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
What a save.... by Taylor! Aberdeen are caught pressing high up the pitch, Rangers cut right through them, Hernandez does really well to defend one v one but there's nobody at left back as Aribo is played in. He tries to tuck the ball past Lewis, shoots, Taylor slides in to block on the line.
01:17 PM
90 mins+2 - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Rangers try to keep the ball in the corner and Hayes is lucky nobody spots him having a little kick at Morelos. On replay, Morelos is lucky nobody sees him have a little kick at Hayes. Regardless, the right decision would be to ignore both.
01:16 PM
90 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Ferguson barges into Goldson and the defender appears to be in a bit of bother. Might have a shoulder injury.
This game should just fizzle out now, I can't see any surprises from Aberdeen and Rangers are comfortable holding onto a lead they've never looked likely to lose.
01:13 PM
RED CARD
considine off
Considine is shown a straight red for a lunging slide tackle! It's a bad challenge, way too much momentum, studs showing, stupid thing to do. The argument 'but he won the ball' doesn't stand there! Arfield lucky not to be snapped.
01:10 PM
84 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Brilliant run from Aribo. Superb play as he carries the ball a good 30 yards, turns Taylor inside out and is only denied a free shot on goal as Ferguson comes flying in from behind to slide tackle and steal the ball away.
01:08 PM
82 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
There have been some great performances in the Rangers midfield today. Aribo has been the pick but Jack has also been quietly impressive, while Kent has shown good feet when dropping to evade tackles. Every single Rangers player seems to be a yard ahead... but it's still only 1-0.
01:07 PM
80 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Just so few passing options for Aberdeen players. Hernandez has it on the right wing, no options inside, two ahead of him on the wing... both marked, possession is lost.
01:04 PM
77 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Ojo has.... not had a good game. He flies out of position to close down a runner, leaves space behind the ball is played there. Morelos runs beyond the last man but drags his shot wide of the far post.
01:02 PM
74 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Aberdeen setting up close to Rangers' goal as they try to play out from the back and force a turnover while doing so. Still nothing created.
12:57 PM
71 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Aribo is a great wee player. Some more nice pass and move combinations from Rangers in the final third but no chances created.
Campbell and McGinn on, Bryson and Kennedy off.
12:54 PM
68 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
HAGIIIIII! Great hit! Just wide. Aribo links with Kent, who drives forward, Morelos sets up Hagi and he launches a drive towards the top corner. Lewis dives but a deflection takes it wide.
The corner goes short, Kent has it... and everybody stands off him. The wide player needs to get tighter quickly there to stop the cross but doesn't, and luckily for Aberdeen, the cross is headed behind.
12:53 PM
65 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Kennedy travels with the ball but is tackled from the first player who gets close, Considine plays a ball down the channel straight out for a throw. Rangers are comfortable but they only have a one goal lead. Things could change quickly if anything strange happens. It would take a moment like that.
12:51 PM
63 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Anderson off, Edmondson on.
12:47 PM
60 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
SCRAMBLE! The ball is flung into the six yard box and it feels like every single player on the pitch crowds around it. McKenna throws Balogun into the post, McGregor dives to the floor to smother it - really brave goalkeeping - and someone shouts "YOU'VE KICKED HIM IN THE F****** BALLS!" but I can't quite see who.
12:44 PM
57 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Same patterns of play from Aberdeen. Ball goes wide from centre-backs, ball played down channel, Rangers having little trouble stopping them and winning possession back.
Weirdly, apparently the possession is 55 per cent in Rangers' favour. Feels a lot more. They may also be waiting to hit Aberdeen on the counter in this half.
12:41 PM
54 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Still no real sign that Aberdeen have any great belief or the ability to get something from this game. Rangers attack quickly, Hagi tries to bend one into the top corner but shanks it miles over.
12:38 PM
51 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Morelos is waiting for any chance he gets to go down, Bryson gives him a little bump and he flies to the floor clutching his back, with a cheeky smile on his return from the ground. The referee buys it. Clever from Morelos, if entirely needless, clumsy from Bryson for taking the bait.
12:35 PM
48 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Ferguson shows great strength and balance to hold off Aribo in the corner and see the ball behind for a goal kick. Lewis chips the goal kick to half way, Hernandez takes his first opportunity of the game to carry the ball forward but his early cross is well dealt with.
12:31 PM
KICK OFF 2
We're back.
12:29 PM
Analysis
Rangers have been fine. The goal was really well worked, they've had some decent passages of play, the defenders are finding the midfield with clever, early passes, Morelos looks sharp.
Aberdeen are all over the place. There's no cohesion in the press, the block isn't a block, there are no options for passes anywhere near the halfway line... the system doesn't work. It's very defensive, which makes perfect sense, but the full-backs need to offer something going forward and if Anderson can't lead the line he needs to drop to help in midfield. More players need to be brave in possession, it's impossible to keep the ball with the positions they are currently taking.
12:16 PM
HALF TIME
Easy for Rangers, really poor from Aberdeen. Forget the mistake that led to the goal, there's no cohesion, no bite, no energy and they are second best in every department.
12:15 PM
45 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Ojo is rightly booked for standing on Hagi's foot. He's been well off it today. And that's the end of the half!
12:13 PM
44 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Rangers taking their turn to defend and see out the half, which shouldn't be too difficult since no Aberdeen player wants to pass through the midfield, including the midfield.
Rangers have done their jobs well without having to work particularly hard for it.
12:11 PM
41 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Oh my god. The lack of cohesion in this Aberdeen team at times is shocking. Ferguson is the deepest player to receive a pass from the goalkeeper, Taylor jogs back into position, the ball goes to McKenna and there are absolutely no triangles or diamonds to offer an easy pass. So McKenna takes on the striker and punts a ball into the channel. Kennedy wins it this time but the move comes to nothing.
12:08 PM
38 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Bryson has started screaming at his teammates to follow him in the press, like they're supposed to, to little avail. He's doing a lot of work out of possession.
Rangers stroking the ball around, combining well, finding space. Considine clears the ball off Morelos, the ball flies off his knee... and it's a corner to Rangers.
Another astonishing decision.
12:06 PM
37 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Rangers free-kick wide left, Tavernier tries to find the top corner with the free-kick and powers the shot behind for a goal kick.
Bryson keeps screaming at his teammates for not doing their job. McKenna keeps being drawn out of position.
12:04 PM
34 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Balogun looks a decent player already as well. He's been carrying the ball into midfield, the Aberdeen press is doing absolutely nothing.
This is easy for Rangers at the moment. Aberdeen aren't providing any challenge.
12:02 PM
31 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
Considine wins a 50/50, is bounced to the floor by Morelos, the referee awards the free-kick to Rangers. The lack of crowd doesn't seem to be having any effect on the high high high standard of Scottish refereeing.
Aribo is having a great game so far, taking on players one v one, evading the tackle every time and freeing up Hagi for a shot.
Hayes has moved to the left wing now.
12:00 PM
28 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
The spacing between Taylor and McKenna is still really wide. It makes perfect sense in possession to help with passing but when defending it makes none.
11:55 AM
25 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
That goal was another example of Aberdeen's man to man defensive system not working. As soon as one player is drawn out of position the entire thing falls like a house of cards and McKenna and Taylor were easily caught out. Better players don't fall for that.
11:50 AM
GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!
RANGERS HAVE THE LEAD!
Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1
GOAL FOR RANGERS! ⚽️
What a start for Steven Gerrard's men. Ryan Kent tucks home a nicely weighted Morelos through ball.
It's a really well taken goal scored on the counter directly from that earlier Ferguson effort. McKenna and Taylor have combined disastrously for it, with McKenna being sucked in to follow Morelos' movement from an already bad starting position, and Taylor being caught flat-footed. He should be side on to play, not facing it. Morelos threads the ball through and Kent sprints clean away from the defence to finish brilliantly at the near post past Lewis.
11:50 AM
21 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 0
Aberdeen win a free-kick on the right wing high up the pitch as Bryson draws a foul. Kennedy and Hayes discuss what to do with it as the big lads come forward. It's headed away, bounces to the edge of the box and Ferguson tries a shot which is struck way over.
11:49 AM
20 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 0
Rangers corner on the left. Lewis comes to punch but seems to misjudge and punches it out for a throw. Maybe he meant it.
Corner on the right. Hagi comes across to take it, goes short, it comes back and Hagi launches a low cross to the near post which hits the side netting.
Pretty sure Bryson is being asked to do what Shinnie used to by helping with the press... but he doesn't seem to have the legs to do it at the moment.
11:46 AM
17 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 0
Kennedy has a chance to take on Tavernier on the left, is double teamed, loses out, Hayes comes across to help... and Anderson fouls Goldson. Aberdeen have survived the opening 15 minutes, which is really important and gives them a bit of a platform to grow into the game.
11:43 AM
14 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 0
Really feels like it's a matter of time before Rangers create an opportunity and take it.
At least these guys have figured out a way to watch the game as though inside the stadium:
Rangers finding it way too easy to progress passes from centre-backs to midfield. Anderson and Hayes (playing wide right) aren't combining particularly well to press and close down gaps.
11:40 AM
10 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 0
I feel like Aberdeen will play better if they remember they're allowed to keep the ball.
11:39 AM
9 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 0
Rangers passing around the Aberdeen block like it's a training game at the moment. Clever first touches, smart forward passes, Aberdeen players already doing that thing where they tell someone else what to do while not doing an awful lot themselves.
Again, Lewis punts the ball forward and gives away possession.
11:36 AM
7 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 0
Aribo bins Considine with a brilliant first touch round the corner, Goldson firing the pass into him from deep and almost kick-starting a dangerous attack.
Rangers comfortable in possession at the moment. Aberdeen sitting deep.
11:34 AM
5 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 0
Rangers have all the ball early on, Aberdeen manage to end the move and Lewis launches the ball forward... to give Rangers back possession.
Barisic overlaps on the left but his cross is too deep for anyone in the box. Aberdeen move forward... and Rangers have it back. Really wasteful in possession so far for McInnes' players.
11:31 AM
2 mins - Aberdeen 0 Rangers 0
It looks like Aberdeen are in a 4-4-1-1 / 4-2-3-1with Bryson partnering Anderson in a high 4-4-2 press out of possession. Morelos has had a few touches of the ball already, tracked by a defender every time he drops.
11:29 AM
KICK OFF
Rangers get the game started! IT'S BACK!
11:28 AM
Here come the players
From the games I've watched (a lot) during lockdown, the difference without a crowd is that the games become a little slower, more tactical, and the better technical team tends to win. Aberdeen need a big performance if they are to come away with anything here.
11:25 AM
Steven Gerrard pre-match
It's a game we're looking forward to, it'll be a tough game. We're ready for it, had a positive pre-season and we want to build on.
We'd love to have our fans here but we know they're behind us and will be watching us back home, which is the right thing to do.
Every team wants to start well. It's about the three points, we have to focus on today.
11:13 AM
Steven Gerrard chatting to Jamie Carragher
At the moment we haven't received a bid that meets our valuation for any of our players. It's something we're used to. Morelos is a fantastic player, you know and I know that you get noise around those types of players. We don't want to lose any of our top players but if he does go it will be for a big number.
I've made it clear we're looking for options in the attacking areas and something in the engine room. Until we get it finalised and over the line I don't want to count my chickens.
11:04 AM
Scottish football is back!
It's really here! The last season was cancelled, the fallout was dramatic and ridiculous, but now - at last - we can enjoy the most entertaining football league in the universe.
The opening fixture is always a big one but Aberdeen vs Rangers is a sure-fire hit. The absence of fans will, of course, make a difference, and will likely favour the more technically competent side, giving Steven Gerrard's side something of an advantage. Aberdeen are desperate to kick on and show that they don't intend to settle for third place (if they can even reach that with an impressive Motherwell and dangerous looking Hibs in competition) and the result today will tell us a lot. And even if the result doesn't, the performances by both will show us what we can expect this season.
The teams are in and it's anyone's guess as to how Aberdeen are lining up. Could be a 4-3-3, could be a 3-5-2 or 5-4-1.
McInnes can switch systems during the game if he wants to but I think Hayes will be left wing-back, with Hernandez right wing-back.
The Aberdeen manager says it's great to be back:
I think when the fixtures came out, Rangers gives you that extra motiviation. Not having supporters is a shame but having you guys here means everyone can watch it.
I think there'll be a bit of edge to it, both sets of players realise the importance of the game. We want to get off to a positive start. For us to have any chance against Rangers we have to do a lot of things right. I expect it to be feisty.
Rangers are in the 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 that Gerrard has stuck with throughout his time at the club and Alfredo Morelos has made it into the first team despite the rumours linking him with a move to Lille.
It's a massive game for Rangers, as it is for Aberdeen, and so difficult to call. Rangers have the better players throughout the team - only Lewis Ferguson or Joe Lewis would realistically make it into Gerrard's XI - but this game often throws up some surprises.
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