Embattled Philippe Clement claimed Rangers produced one of their best performances of the season as they fell nine points behind Aberdeen and Celtic in the title race with a disastrous defeat at Pittodrie.
In a predictably hectic affair, the home team took the lead just after the half hour through Nicky Devlin.
Jimmy Thelin’s men squandered the chance to take two up at half-time when Jamie McGrath missed a penalty, with Nedim Bajrami making Jimmy Thelin’s side pay with a second-half equalizer.
But with Rangers unable to progress, substitute Shayden Morris sealed a famous victory with a close-range strike with 16 minutes remaining – his first league goal for the club – to ensure the resurgent Dons now have 15 games won and had one draw at 16 under. their new manager.
However, Clement was convinced that the latest setback was tough for his players. He said: “It’s hugely disappointing to lose, but we could have drawn or won if things had gone our way.
‘We started well but then Aberdeen took over and we struggled. We had the match in hand then, but we didn’t take advantage of our opportunities and they did.
Philippe Clement now faces serious questions over his future following the defeat at Pittodrie
Shayden Morris scores a deserved winner after uncertainty in the visiting defense
Morris celebrates with delirious teammates as the Dons’ incredible season continues
‘We have to be more clinical in the final third and we also have to have more luck on our side. But I thought this was one of our better performances this season with the new team.
“All credit to Aberdeen for the way they played. They deserve to be up there.
“We are working hard to make things better, but I think this was one of the better performances from several players.
‘We should definitely have more in points. But if the toenail hadn’t been there (against Cyriel Dessers) for our offside goal, it could have been 2-2.
‘It wasn’t like Aberdeen blew us away. That is not the reality.
‘The fans want to win and so do we. We have to improve to make up for the nine points, but it’s about creating momentum again.”
Clement claimed that his team could still reduce the points difference between themselves and the top two.
Rangers skipper James Tavernier leaves the field as the victorious Dons stars celebrate
“Yes, it’s a big gap, but if you’re focused on the gap, you’re not focused on getting the points,” he added.
‘When I started last season, there was a big gap at that time and we came all the way back, but in the end we didn’t succeed.
‘So it was a story from game to game, where we gave the maximum to get the three points and continued game by game. So that’s what we have to do again.’
Don’s boss Thelin was effusive in his praise of the character his side showed again to maintain their perfect record at Pittodrie.
“It was definitely an emotional game, a lot happened today,” he said.
‘I think our first half was one of the better ones. We attacked in different ways, the intensity of the game was very strong.
‘In the second half they had more momentum, but we stayed in the match with a very strong team spirit.
Aberdeen defender Nicky Devlin celebrates after scoring the opener at Pittodrie
‘It was difficult in some parts, but with the fans, the way they supported us, and also the peace and quiet, we stayed in the game.
‘And again, the players who come on the field make a difference, and an important one. We know we are very dangerous in transitions and we find a way.
‘I am so happy with the character of the team, the team spirit is so strong.’
Thelin downplayed the significance of the result, saying: “Again, for us it’s a three-point game, and we’re taking it one game at a time.
“I know of course we’ve talked before about the history and all that stuff, which the fans should enjoy today, but for us now it’s just a matter of staying focused, and now we have another important game on Saturday.”