Rangers narrowed the gap on leaders Hearts to four points with a comfortable 3-0 win over Dundee at Ibrox, moving to 47 points after 23 games and remaining firmly in the race for the three-way Scottish Premiership title.
Celtic dropped back to third place with a further two points difference, and this victory tightened their grip at the top of the table, ensuring they continued to put pressure on Hearts, who continued to lead the way with 51 points.
Due to the long spell, the contest felt much tighter than the final score indicated. Rangers had dominant possession throughout the first half but struggled to break through a well-organized Dundee side who defended resolutely and had limited opportunities for clearance. The hosts thought they had taken the lead when Tochi Chukwani scored, but VAR correctly ruled him offside.
Cerro Asgord unleashed a long-range attack before half-time, forcing a smart save from John McCracken, but Dundee remained disciplined and compact and went into half-time with Rangers frustrated.
The breakthrough came just three minutes after the restart. Asgaard slipped an inviting ball into the penalty area, Nicolas Raskin grounded it under pressure and James Tavernier came forward to slot the resulting penalty into the top left corner of the goal.
Rangers controlled the final stages well and any remaining nerves were resolved in stoppage time. Dundee were caught up and the ball fell kindly to Danilo, the striker moved forward and fired a long-range shot past McCracken to make it 2-0.
There was still time for one more time. Substitute Jaydee Gassama won the ball outside the box and fired a superb shot past McCracken to score, and looked pleased with the result.
Roll: We did our homework.
Manager Danny Rolle felt Rangers’ 3-0 win was a “declaration” performance and admitted Rangers had to show patience before finally defeating a stubborn Dundee side at Ibrox.
Rohr said his players struggled to find solutions in the first half against an opponent who was set up to stay compact and wait for transitions, but praised their reaction after the break.
“We talked at half-time about having too many players behind the ball and not in the right spaces,” he told Sky Sports News.
“The way we played in the second half was exactly what we wanted. We scored goals, had a couple of really good moments and played some good football.”
Rangers manager Danny Rolle gestures on the touchline during Rangers’ game against Dundee.
The Rangers manager also reflected on his growing confidence at Ibrox as his team narrowed the gap in the title race, pointing to the atmosphere at full-time as a sign of progress.
“When we started this journey together, stadiums weren’t yet full after games,” Rohr added.
“Now more people are staying with the team to celebrate the team. That’s what the players deserve.”
Despite the uproar over results elsewhere, Rohr insisted he was just focused on getting the job done.
“We did our homework. We focused on ourselves, and that’s what matters.”
Patience paid off as Rangers performed well
Sam Cohen of Sky Sports:
“Rangers were made to work much harder than the scoreline would suggest, but patience was key. Dundee’s defensive organization frustrated the hosts for long periods, but Rangers stuck to their mission and were rewarded with an early breakthrough in the second half.”
Rangers ended up with a convincing win against Dundee
“Tavernier’s penalty changed the course of the game, opening up Dundee and allowing Rangers to find space in the closing stages. The last two goals came as our legs were starting to tire, but reflected the dominance Rangers had built over the 90 minutes.”
“He wasn’t as fluent in long spells, but he was controlled, calm and ultimately effective, which is exactly what Rangers needed.
Rangers maintain firm title pressure on top of the table
“This was an important win beyond the scoreline. With Hearts setting the pace up front and Celtic right behind them, Rangers couldn’t afford to stall here and the form of this win ensured they kept the pressure firmly on the teams around them.”
“Rangers were patient when the game was close and relentless when the game started, an essential quality in winning the title. “The late goal not only secured us a point, but strengthened the belief inside Ibrox, especially as the atmosphere improved against Hearts.”
“The gap has closed and Rangers have given themselves a platform. Consistency will be key from here on out, but this result means that if we can keep up the momentum we could very well be in the title race.”
