Aberdeen beat Rangers to keep pace with Celtic
Aberdeen are off to their best ever start to a Scottish Premiership season after beating Rangers 2-1 on Wednesday to remain level on points with Celtic at the top of the table.
Celtic beat Dundee 2-0 to stay ahead of the Dons on goal difference, but are now nine points clear of third-placed Rangers.
Aberdeen have been transformed since Swedish manager Jimmy Thelin took over at the beginning of the season.
Thelin has won 15 of his 16 games in charge with the only draw coming away at Celtic earlier this month.
WHAT A NIGHT!!!! pic.twitter.com/yIhKN6o6yP
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) October 30, 2024
Rangers' third league defeat in 10 games leaves manager Philippe Clement under intense pressure.
Aberdeen were well worthy of the three points and could even afford to miss a first-half penalty.
Nicky Devlin fired the hosts in front on 31 minutes at a sold out Pittodrie.
What an incredible noise inside Pittodrie tonight 📢
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) October 30, 2024
Thank you for your incredible backing ❤
We will see you at Hampden! pic.twitter.com/km16DVbcMB
Jack Butland then saved Jamie McGrath's spot-kick and Rangers rallied early in the second half through Nedim Bajrami's excellent solo run and finish.
However, Aberdeen were not to be denied as substitute Shayden Morris smashed in the winner 16 minutes from time.
"It was a really nice evening," said Thelin. "Emotional game and of course I enjoyed it a lot."
Celtic were made to wait over an hour to make the breakthrough at home to Dundee.
Brendan Rodgers had heavily rotated his side with a look ahead of Saturday's League Cup semifinal against Aberdeen.
It was not until the former Liverpool boss turned to some of his regular starters off the bench that the Scottish champions opened the scoring through substitute Alistair Johnston.
Arne Engels' penalty secured the three points on 67 minutes.
"My only focus is on ourselves, looking at us improving our performance level as we go through the season," said Rodgers when asked whether Aberdeen are now Celtic's main title rivals.
Hearts fell to the bottom of the table after Neil Critchley suffered his first defeat in charge as Kilmarnock came from behind to win 2-1 at Tynecastle.
Motherwell won 2-1 at Dundee United to move up to fourth.
St. Mirren beat St. Johnstone 3-1, while Hibs are second bottom after a 0-0 draw at Ross County.
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