Four main takeaways from Rangers captivating 2-2 draw over Dundee at Dens Park
The hosts, who were hoping to make it three consecutive victories, made an encouraging start and were rewarded for their bright first-half display when Bradley Fink rounded visiting keeper Ivor Pandur before slotting in off the post from a tight angle.
However, Dundee’s advantage was short-lived as Badredine Bouanani restored parity five minutes later with a deflected effort that looped into the top-left hand corner from the edge of the box in his first goal since joining the Ibrox club.
Rangers emerged with renewed purpose following the interval and gradually took control of proceedings. Their pressure eventually paid off when Nico Raskin unleashed an outstanding strike in off the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards.
The visitors looked well placed to claim all three points at that stage, but Dundee found a way back into the contest after a costly concentration lapse from Rangers skipper Dan Neil. Losing his footing in possession, the midfielder allowed Callum Jones to seize the opportunity and fire coolly beyond Pandur.
Dundee weathered some late pressure to secure a share of the spoils, a result that brought Rangers' seven-game winning run in all competitions to an end. The Dark Blues remain fourth in the table, while Rangers sit one point behind leaders Celtic, who face Hearts on Sunday afternoon.
I watched the action unfold at Dens Park for The Scotsman. Here are my four main takeaways from the game.
Rangers pass up golden opportunity to reach summit
With a golden opportunity to put pressure on Celtic ahead of their meeting with Hearts on Sunday, Rangers travelled to Tayside knowing a victory would take them back to the top of the table. However, the draw instead leaves Derek McInnes’ side one point behind leaders the reigning champions and it will feel like two points dropped given their position in the match.
For all their attacking quality, the visitors were undone by defensive errors at crucial moments. Fink capitalised on a poorly defended long ball to open the scoring, while Neil’s costly loss of possession allowed Dundee to snatch their second equaliser. Those lapses ultimately proved decisive.
While Rangers showcased their attacking quality after the break, with Raskin firing home a long-range effort to put them ahead, their inability to see out the game will concern McInnes. Rather than maintaining their composure and protecting their advantage, the visitors allowed Dundee back into the contest following Neil’s error. The lapse in concentration exposed raised further questions about Rangers’ ability to manage games under pressure. McInnes will be eager to see his side display greater discipline and composure in pivotal moments.
Ryan Naderi struggled to make an impact as the lone striker, with Kevin Kelsy surprisingly named on the bench. Having scored three goals in his previous two outings, the German came into this match in a confident frame of mind but found it difficult to bring others into play and provide a consistent attacking outlet. He was isolated for much of the contest and cut a frustrated figure throughout.
Neil goes from Old Firm hero to Dens Park villain
The former Sunderland midfielder went from the euphoria of scoring in a memorable Old Firm clash to experiencing major disappointment in the City of Discovery, where his mistake prevented Rangers from returning with maximum points..
Neil faced scrutiny after being dispossessed under pressure, allowing Jones to break forward and slot home Dundee’s equaliser. The costly lapse proved particularly damaging given that Rangers had appeared to take control of the game following Raskin’s spectacular strike to put the visitors ahead.
Neil was handed a golden opportunity to redeem himself moments later, but his close-range effort was cleared off the line by Owen Bevan. It was a frustrating turn of events for the midfielder.
Bouanani announces himself with superb finish
Algerian winger Bouanani announced himself in a Rangers shirt with a superb finish to restore parity at 1-1, offering a glimpse of the technical quality and attacking threat he could bring to the side as the season progresses.
From the edge of the box, Bouanani unleashed a wicked strike that took a slight deflection before flying into the top corner. The goal marked his first in a Rangers shirt and provided an immediate response to Dundee’s opener, bringing the visitors back on level terms at a crucial stage of the contest.
Beyond the significance of the equaliser, the goal suggesting he could become a valuable asset in Rangers’ forward line. Bouanani’s creativity, composure and willingness to take on defenders could prove crucial as Rangers look to maintain their challenge for domestic honours.
Aggressive Dundee approach unsettles visitors
Dundee's pressing, physicality and determination to compete for second balls caused Rangers problems throughout the first half. Their willingness to take the game to their opponents was central to their performance and helped them earn a deserved result.
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Steven Pressley’s side will take considerable encouragement from holding one of the league most in-form teams to a draw. Extending their unbeaten run to three matches, Dundee demonstrated their resilience, organisation and growing confidence, offering further evidence of the progress being made under Pressley.
The Dark Blues deserve credit for their resilience. They started well, took the lead through and then refused to fold when Rangers turned the game on its head in the second half. Jones' equaliser was a reward for their determination. Jones’ leveller was a fitting reflection of their persistence.
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