Rotten Rangers suffer title race rigor mortis and blow game in hand at dangerous Dundee – 3 talking points

Rangers stumbled AGAIN in the title race as Philippe Clement's men played out a 0-0 draw at Dens Park and blew their game in hand over Celtic.

It was a case of lucky number three in Tayside to get the game on, but it was anything but good fortune for the visitors on the park as they dropped further points in the race for the Scottish Premiership title. Philippe Clement would have been demanding a fast start and big reaction after the weekend defeat to Ross County in Dingwall but it was the home side who were out the traps the quicker with the visiting defence almost breached inside the first minute. A poor Dujon Sterling header was met on the half-volley by Malachi Boateng but his effort just whistled past Jack Butland's right hand post.

Tony Docherty's men continued to press in the opening five minutes with the home support very vocal. You could see the confidence brimming through the hosts in the opening exchanges after booking their top six spot at the weekend, so the pressure to get that ticket stamped was off and it was all about looking above at St Mirren and clawing the gap.

Abdallah Sima was first to try his luck for the away side on 11 minutes with Todd Cantwell sending him through on goal. The pacey attacker got his low effort away but Jon McCracken denied him with his legs. Moments later the home side screamed for a handball against John Souttar but nothing came of it.

Butland then made an incredible double-save after 20 minutes as he denied the hosts from a free-kick and then on the follow up effort. Amadou Bakayoko had the ball in the net at a third try but the offside flag went up and after a quick check the decision stood.

James Tavernier then tried his luck from range from a dead ball but McCracken was equal to his effort and pushed it wide as Philippe Clement's men started to grow into the occasion.

The second half was mainly half chances with neither keeper really tested in the search of that all important opener. As the minutes passed you got the feeling one goal would win it and Clement and Docherty turned to their benches for that spark on the hour.

Lyall Cameron looked like he would have the big opportunity the home side craved with less than 15 on the clock but Rangers managed to scramble the danger away. The away side pressed for that all important goal but were unable to create any clear cut chances as they dropped points for the second time in 72 hours. Here’s three talking points from Dens Park.

Twists and turns

In an ideal world Philippe Clement and Rangers would have had themselves going two points clear of Celtic at the summit tonight. But a title race always throws up twists and turns and after they suffered a major one on Sunday at Ross County, it's advantage to their rivals.

That defeat in Dingwall put big pressure on the Light Blues in this match and at this stage of the season it was an absolute must win given the outcome 72 hours earlier. But again, they failed to turn up the heat and get back to within a point of Brendan Rodgers' champions heading into the league split.

James Tavernier spoke in the build-up to this one insisting NOTHING had changed in Rangers' quest for title success and it was a case of winning six straight games to be crowned league winners come the end of May. That rally cry has fallen at the first hurdle after a stalemate here. It leaves Celtic three points clear at the summit now with a superior goal difference.

It's been three day period to forget and it doesn't get any easier with Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden next up. This disappointment will need to be brushed to one side in order to book a return for the end of season showpiece. But here at Dens - at the third attempt to get this game played - it was another evening to forget. A big five games to go...

Super Jack Butland in goal

It is a song that rings around the Rangers support on a weekly basis. And the England cap showed once again exactly why the praise rings down from the terraces.

The Ibrox No1 produced a stunning double save to deny the hosts on the 20 minute mark. First he kept out a free-kick from Luke McCowan that got through his wall when he looked unsighted before another big reaction stop from Scott Tiffoney on the follow up.

Gareth Southgate watched him in person against Celtic with a view to his England squad for Euro 2024 and another strong display and string of saves will not be doing his chances any harm.

It's been a big debut season at Rangers for the Player of the Year contender. And if they are to go on and win the league and Scottish Cup alongside their League Cup success, you can bet the man in goal will have a major say. Given the outcome of this game, his first half double save may well have just kept his side in the chase with Celtic.

Passports at the ready?

Tony Docherty has enjoyed a stunning season at Dundee.

Forget all the pitch woes at Dens Park for a minute and look at the performances on their top flight return. The top six was secured before a ball was struck in Tayside tonight and now they could be chasing European football.

It was only 12 months ago they went through a rollercoaster end of season shootout with Queen's Park to book their return to the big time and now there is a real possibility they could be looking out the passports.

St Mirren in fifth are currently two points ahead and that position come the end of the campaign could book a shot at the Europa Conference League qualifiers - if anybody but Aberdeen lifts the Scottish Cup. Meaning if they don't win this weekend against Celtic at Hampden, then fifth place know they are heading on tour with the other semi-finalists Rangers and Hearts.

Dundee largely impressed once more and fully deserved their share of the spoils and with five huge games to come - including a battle with the Buddies - the confidence will be brimming and a great season could get the European cherry on top if results go in their favour.