'Inefficiency & luck' costs Rangers in Dundee draw

Philippe Clement remains optimistic that Rangers can still control their own destiny, despite facing a setback in their pursuit for the Scottish Premiership title. They were forced to settle for a draw in their recent match against Dundee, which marked their second disappointment in three days. However, Clement maintains that his team is still in control of their fate.

Despite having two games in hand over Celtic, Clement's team lost 3-2 to Ross County on Sunday and are now three points behind the current champions.

Dundee had a goal scored by Amadou Bakayoko in the beginning, but it was disallowed for being offside. On the other hand, Rangers' best chance of scoring came when Cyriel Dessers attempted to score but was saved excellently by Jon McCracken. This made the situation more stressful and demanding for the away team.

Clement argued that the problem did not stem from a lack of concentration, motivation, or determination. Rather, it originated from inadequate productivity and some unfavorable circumstances.

Despite their efforts, the Rangers team has only managed to win two games out of their last eight matches. It's very likely that they will need to secure a victory at Celtic Park, which they haven't done since 2020, if they hope to stop their opponents from keeping the championship title.

Clement, who spoke with BBC Scotland, stated that he does not discuss personal preferences. Instead, he emphasized that the satisfaction of the supporters is what matters most. He mentioned that winning the next five games would be crucial in achieving this goal.

In the meantime, Dundee has successfully secured their first top-six finish since 2015 last weekend. They have also managed to narrow down the point gap with St Mirren by only two points. This accomplishment has raised their chances of qualifying for a spot in European competitions, something they haven't achieved since 2003.

Before the match started, Clement expressed that his team required a reversion to fundamental principles that were absent during their loss in Dingwall.

Just moments after the start of the game, Bakayoko was able to pivot and deliver a pass across the field. The ball ended up in the possession of Malachi Boateng, who attempted a low shot that barely missed the far goal post.

Dundee's team had to play without their captain, Joe Shaughnessy, due to an injury that happened just nine minutes into the match. Consequently, they were caught off guard as the opposition's Abdallah Sima attempted a low shot, which was eventually blocked by McCracken's legs.

The initial attempt at scoring did not calm down the visiting team, and although Bakayoko managed to put the ball in the net after Scott Tiffoney's shot was saved by Rangers' goalkeeper Jack Butland from Luke McCowan's free-kick, the goal was disallowed for being offside.

Despite Rangers having more possession of the ball, they were unable to score a goal before halftime. The closest they got was when Connor Goldson headed the ball towards McCracken, but the goalkeeper caught it on his second attempt and no player from Rangers was able to capitalize on the situation.

At the beginning of the sentence, McCracken was able to stop a shot by Tom Lawrence near the goal post. Later, a player named Dessers who came in as a substitute was able to take a shot that caused the goalkeeper to make an excellent save using just the tips of his fingers.

The Rangers team were starting to appear very anxious and the situation looked like it could get even more unfavorable when one of the home players, Lyall Cameron, attempted a shot but it was stopped right in front of the goal.

Their aspirations of scoring a last-minute goal and hampering Celtic's title win seemed to be thwarted as time ticked away.

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In the past two games, someone unfamiliar with Scottish football would find it hard to recognize Rangers as potential champions.

The midfield of Dundee played with a lot of energy that their opponents from Rangers couldn't keep up with. Even though Rangers eventually had more control of the ball, they still struggled to come up with new ideas to overcome the well-coordinated defense of Dundee.

Clement decided to give Kemar Roofe a chance to start the game despite his previous injury troubles, replacing Cyriel Dessers. However, it seemed that Roofe was not physically ready for the match and was unable to challenge Dundee's defence, who were hoping to secure their second consecutive clean sheet.

The Rangers were previously in a favorable position where they had the potential to be ahead of Celtic by two points if they won their two outstanding games. However, this has now changed. Even if they win their final Old Firm derby match against their city rivals, they will still be trailing behind Celtic on goal difference, given that both teams win their remaining four games.

Even though the pressure may have been overwhelming for the Rangers, Dundee has performed exceptionally well in the past few weeks, losing only one out of their six recent games.

Before this match, Rangers had won the eight previous encounters against Dundee. They had scored 22 goals and conceded only 2. The last time Dundee avoided defeat against Rangers was in December 2018.

On the other hand, the Dark Blues have undergone a transformation under Tony Docherty, and even though it is their initial season in the highest tier, they have a legitimate reason to aspire to revive European matches at Dens Park.

The supporters of the home team will surely reckon that the match was worth the wait despite the fact that it was rescheduled twice due to their field conditions.

The boss of Dundee, Tony Docherty, expressed his delight in the team's impressive performance. He praised the players and deemed their success in keeping their opponents scoreless in the past two games as a reflection of the team's progress.

Our team is highly determined and able to withstand challenges. They are fully concentrated on every game. As we approach a crucial period in the season, our group is continuously developing and improving.

According to Rangers manager Philippe Clement, they had dominance in the game and deserved to win. They had the highest possession and the most opportunities, but unfortunately, the goalkeeper and opposition players prevented them from scoring.

Today was a letdown for me. I became furious after our game against Ross County because we lost our organization and skillfulness for a significant part of the game. However, today's match was different.

On Sunday at 15:00, Rangers will play against Heart of Midlothian in the semi-final match of the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park. After that, on the 28th of April at 12:30, Rangers will visit St Mirren for their next Premiership match. Later that afternoon, at 15:00, Dundee will host the leaders Celtic.

Rewritten: Star of the game I had the pleasure of watching an incredibly exciting game of football last night. Two teams went head to head and it was a nail-biter until the final whistle blew. The final score was 2-1, and there was one player who really stood out for me. His name was John and he was the star of the game. John's performance was outstanding. He was constantly in the right place at the right time, making crucial plays and scoring both goals for his team. His skills on the ball were unmatched, and he seemed to have a sixth sense for where the ball was going to be and how to get there before anyone else. Another thing I noticed about him was his incredible stamina. He ran up and down the field tirelessly, never showing any signs of slowing down. It wasn't just his physical performance that impressed me, though. John also had a great attitude throughout the game. Even when things didn't go his way, he never lost his focus or his cool. He was a great team player, always looking out for his teammates and encouraging them to do their best. When the final whistle blew, everyone in the stadium erupted into applause. John had truly been the star of the game. As I left the stadium, I couldn't help but wonder what other amazing performances he had in his future. Whatever happens, though, I know that John will always be remembered as a truly incredible player.

On an average, the number stands at 8.79.

Player Fábio Silva wears the squad number 7.

The game is over, with Dundee and Rangers tied at 0 goals each.

The latter part of the game has come to a close, with the score at Dun Dee and Rangers tied at zero.

Shot stopped. Lyall Cameron (Dundee) aimed with his right foot from beyond the penalty area but his effort was obstructed by a defender. Owen Dodgson provided the pass that set up the chance.

Shot denied. Dara Costelloe (Dundee) attempted a left-footed strike from beyond the box, but it was obstructed. Luke McCowan assisted in the attempt.

The referee gave Owen Dodgson (Dundee) a cautionary yellow card.

Kieran Dowell (Rangers) engaged in risky gameplay.

Ricki Lamie (player from Dundee) earns a free kick in their own half of the field.

Rangers’ Rabbi Matondo was awarded a free kick in their own half as a result of the defensive play.

Luke McCowan (Dundee) committed a foul.

The shot made by Rabbi Matondo of Rangers with his right foot from a distance was unsuccessful as it went too high above the goalpost. Dujon Sterling assisted him in his attempt.

In the defensive half of the field, Rangers player Connor Goldson has earned a free kick.

Curtis Main (Dundee) committed a foul.

James Tavernier from Rangers took a shot with his right foot from outside the box, but unfortunately missed the top left corner during a direct free kick.

Ross McCausland from the Rangers football team has been awarded a free kick in the attacking section of the field.

Mohamad Sylla (Dundee) committed a foul.

The endeavor was deflected. James Tavernier, who is a part of the Rangers, tried to head the ball from the right-hand side of the area close to the goal-line. However, the football was caught by the goalkeeper right in the middle of the net. Dujon Sterling helped him with a crossed ball.

Rabbi Matondo (playing for the Rangers) tried to score a goal with his right foot by taking a shot from outside the box, but unfortunately he missed it to the right of the goalpost. Kieran Dowell supported him in this attempt.

The Rangers have just lost possession due to an error by Jordan McGhee.

The Rangers team has made a substitution. Abdallah Sima has left the field and Ross McCausland has come on to replace him.

The try was stopped. Lyall Cameron (from Dundee) tried to kick the ball with his left foot from the middle of the area, but it was obstructed.