There was once a time when a Sunday evening slot was the go to for broadcasters to show off Scottish football.
And there was an old school feel about the clash at Pittodrie between Aberdeen and Rangers with many within the famous old venue being transported back in time. It was 80s-esque in the second half, such was the way both the players and punters came alive to land a first home win over their great rivals in seven–and–a-half years. Barry Robson heard his name ring loud and rightly so as his reborn team made it seven wins on the spin.
The victory restores Aberdeen's five–point lead over Hearts in the race for third which brings guaranteed European group stage football – how the northern lights will shine bright if that comes to pass. But while there Dandie joy there were plenty of Rangers recriminations as Michael Beale watched his side produce an insipid display only a week out from their season–defining Scottish Cup semi final with Celtic.
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Miffed Morelos
There were three moments of woe for the Colombian in a second half which put a pin in any recent optimism. Beale revealed this is El Buffalo's farewell tour but the only hit on show was the one on the corner flag in the second half after a skewed strike. That came after he was on his heels when Liam Scales latched on a loose ball and fired home from distance to set the Dons on his way.
The only hint of the old Morelos was a fiery exchange with Mattie Pollock in the second half which resulted in a gesture which appeared to suggest he didn't think much of his rival. Running battles were part of what made Morelos so good but there usually was goals and assists to back it up. It's been four seasons since he topped 12 league goals and a parting of the ways is a necessity at this point.
Red Shed Redemption
Aberdeen punters who made a hell of a noise in other pockets of the stadium would rightly point out the praise should be shared but the Dons ultras pumping up the volume in the Red Shed certainly made a lasting impact. Robson admitted he'd not heard the stadium so loud in years. It was non-stop and the chant of Robson's name was not lost on anyone.
His deal runs to the end of the season but the seven deadly wins appear no fluke. This is a team rebuild on solid foundations and the punters cannot get enough of it. And neither can the players. Goalscorer Bojan Miovski was geeing up the fans and they ably responded.
Beale's request
The Rangers manager cut a downbeat figure in the second period but came alive when he noticed some Rangers players making a beeline for the tunnel at the final whistle. His instruction was clear – get over to the away fans and say thank you despite the result not going their way. The Englishman is acutely aware the same diehards will be needed to go again at Hampden against Celtic and will be keen to make sure his side offer more on the pitch in a game which offers redemption in a season which has been packed with missteps from their ill-fated Champions League run to an underwhelming effort in the Viaplay Cup Final.
A new Don
This type of defiant display both on the pitch and stands felt unachievable after the disaster in Darvel and the Capital double punishment with the pastings served up by Hibs and Hearts. Robson gets the plaudits but a word for his trusted lieutenant Steve Agnew. The pair were involved in plenty of pow wows and shows a natural confidence in Robson to lean on a coach who is highly regarded for his work down south. A proper one-two combo able to tee up the blows which have left the opposition reeling on their winning run. It’s likely Robson will be given the job long-term before this season’s out. Many will say he should be rewarded instantly.
Duk delivers in a different way
The 18-goal striker was not at his free-flowing best in front of goal but he won in a different way. Robson noted Rangers' full-backs in James Tavernier and Borna Barisic were deeper than expected, a low block as the kids call it, and that stymied Aberdeen's wing backs and the cult forward in his attacking work.
But if Duk was disappointed the goals didn't flow then he certainly didn't show as he channeled his inner Daizen Maeda by running countless bleep tests up and down the pitch. In a way – and Aberdeen fans are free to put their fingers in their ear – he likely only enhanced his reputation with a clutch of clubs keen to tempt the Dons into business.
Game of Owns
From Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin calling each other out over a first half miscommunication to Aberdeen stars constantly chest pumping each other and high fiveing after every clearance – it was clear the stakes were high in this compelling rivalry. And Aberdeen appear to possess the togetherness and accountability needed to be ready for the five challenges which remain. A trait to savour. Let's leave the final word for Dave Cormack.
The Aberdeen chairman said: "I’m so very happy for our fans who’ve been great home & away. Today was our 5,000th game. And what a performance in terms of attitude & perseverance to get the job done. Massive well done to Barry & the boys. And, by the way, Pittodrie was absolutely rocking today."
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