Pressure builds on Rangers boss
Rangers 1 - 1 Dundee United
Vaclav Černy’s equaliser cancelled out Sam Dalby’s opener, but Rangers couldn’t find the winning goal that would have brought them within six points of Aberdeen and six clear of United.
Although this was the first time Rangers have dropped points at Ibrox this season, it’s another setback in their campaign. They've now let 13 points slip across their opening 12 league matches and sit 11 points adrift of leaders Celtic.
The match began with Černy and Nico Raskin forcing early saves from Jack Walton, while Nedim Bajrami’s curling effort was tipped wide by the United keeper.
Dundee United were well-drilled and disciplined and gradually grew into the game. Vicko Sevelj’s pinpoint deep cross found Dalby unmarked, and the striker headed past the exposed Jack Butland to give the visitors a shock lead.
It could have gone from bad to worse for Rangers when Dalby got into a promising shooting position, only for his low effort to be blocked by a trailing foot. Moments later, David Babunski missed a golden chance, heading wide from close range early in the second half.
Rangers rallied after the break as United sought to protect their lead. Substitute Danilo went close, and Černy’s powerful strike narrowly missed the target as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.
The breakthrough finally came when Černy combined brilliantly with Danilo, finishing coolly from close range to level the score.
The Dundee United keeper, Walton, then proved heroic, denying Ianis Hagi’s long-range effort and Robin Propper’s rebound, before pulling off another save to keep out Hamza Igamane.
While Rangers had boasted a perfect home record in the Premiership up until this match, their recent performances have been far from convincing. United knew they had a chance if they could keep Rangers at bay, and their plan almost paid off.
Rangers 1 - 1 Dundee United reaction to come here - eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com There were great scenes in the away end when United scored - www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGL1...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 24 November 2024 at 15:37
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Rangers, much like in their recent League Cup semi-final win over Motherwell, found themselves chasing the game after conceding to a player ghosting between defenders. It was another uphill battle.
Philippe Clement’s side lacked urgency, width, and conviction in the first half. The introductions of Hagi and Danilo at half-time in place of Mohamed Diomande and Cyriel Dessers injected some much-needed energy, with the second-half showing significantly better.
The partnership between Černy and Danilo was a particular highlight, but there’s a twist in the tale: both players are ineligible for Rangers’ Europa League clash with Nice on Thursday, as they were left out of the European squad.
