Watch best of Aberdeen's gripping win over Rangers

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Jimmy Thelin's unbeaten Aberdeen made their biggest statement yet by intensifying the pressure on Rangers manager Philippe Clement with an enthralling Scottish Premiership victory.

The pre-match show at Pittodrie set the tone for a raucous occasion, which the away side were overwhelmed by in a sobering opening period as Nicky Devlin continued his dream season by lashing the intense hosts into the lead.

A three-goal half-time advantage would not have flattered the Dons, who struck the woodwork through Graeme Shinnie and Jamie McGrath had his weak spot kick saved by goalkeeper Jack Butland.

It seemed Aberdeen would pay the price for that wastefulness as Rangers had a Ross McCausland goal disallowed for a narrow offside call before they roared back after the break and deservedly levelled through Nedim Bajrami's fine solo effort.

But the hosts, with a sell-out home crowd backing them, regained the lead as substitute Shayden Morris smashed in on the rebound to move Thelin's men nine points clear of Clement's side after just 10 games.

The Ibrox club are now also clawing back the same deficit on city rivals Celtic, who remain level on points with the Dons at the summit.

Despite a remarkable record-breaking start to the campaign, Thelin remained coy on his side being involved in a potential Premiership title race.

"No, it's still early," he told BBC Scotland. "We know that. We have to stay focused. We still have to improve things and we know it's a long season."

Dazzling Dons continue to defy odds

The post-match scenes at Pittodrie said it all how about how significant a win this is for Aberdeen.

A narrative had been building that their opening fixtures had been favourable and that they were yet to be truly tested.

Sure, the League Cup group games against lower-league opposition allowed them to build momentum, but having now taken four points from Celtic and Rangers, there can be no doubt now that this is a serious team with a serious manager.

A stunning first-half display full of verve and intensity highlighted Thelin's side's identity, which Clement continues to lack at Rangers.

The only thing missing for the Dons was a second goal, which should have come from McGrath's penalty after a VAR review showed John Souttar had handled Topi Keskinen's strike.

Thelin's men understandably tired after the break and they had to suffer in the spell Rangers found their leveller.

But this team have shown they have the mentality to respond to adversity and they did so again by dragging themselves to another win.

New low for Clement's troubled Rangers

At half time of this game, former Ibrox striker Kris Boyd said on Sky Sports that "Aberdeen are everything Rangers aren't".

It is the type of punditry viewers have become accustomed to in Old Firm games during Celtic's dominance - the fact it is now being used in this context is damning for the Govan club.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked with Rangers nine points behind their city rivals. Michael Beale's side were seven adrift when the Englishman was removed from his post last year.

Clement's men find themselves nine behind both Celtic and Aberdeen.

The second-half response from Rangers shows the players are still with the Belgian, who would have left with a draw had James Tavernier diverted in his stoppage-time header.

But the weak defending that has plagued the past seven months of his tenure provided decisive again in another damaging defeat.

What they said

'Still early' for title talks - Thelin

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "First of all the atmosphere was amazing, it was an emotional game. Our first half was really, really strong.

"Then the character of the players was really strong, the players who came on to the pitch gave us extra energy.

"I know how hard the players try and work, but it's also how they react. They believe in each other. I'm so glad for them."

Rangers manager Philippe Clement: "It's disappointing to lose the three points. On a really lucky night we could have won this game. It's about taking lessons.

"It's one of the better performances from this new squad, but it was not good enough in the result. There's still a lot to work on.

"You can't say [the players] played a bad game, but we need to work on things to make it better."

'Rangers deserved a point' - Clement

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