Rangers’ crisis deepened as a 2-1 defeat at Aberdeen left them nine points behind Celtic and the Dons at the top of the Premiership.
Dons full-back Nicky Devlin fired in a opener at Pittodrie after 31 minutes before Gers keeper Jack Butland saved a Jamie McGrath penalty six minutes from the interval as Jimmy Thelin’s side dominated.
The lethargic Light Blues responded after the break and wide-man Nedim Bajrami levelled in the 63rd minute with a fine solo goal only for second-half substitute Shayden Morris to fire in from close range 11 minutes later to heap more pressure on Gers boss Philippe Clement.
In contrast, Thelin is now unbeaten in 16 games since taking over as Aberdeen boss in the summer, winning 15 of those.
The Ibrox club is in turmoil with no permanent chairman, chief executive or director of football while on Tuesday it was revealed they made a net loss of £17.2million last season
Belgian boss Clement has to limp on under the weight of negativity which surrounds him, the team and the club. Rangers’ title hopes have surely gone beyond forlorn.
We give each player a mark out of ten for their display at Pittodrie.
9. Jack Mackenzie
The left-back put a great performance, setting up opening goal and dominating his flank. 9 | SNS Group
10. Neraysho Kasanwirjo
Preferred to Jefte, he was kept honest by Aberdeen's lively wide men. 6 | SNS Group
11. Graeme Shinnie
A real captain's performance. Unlucky to hit post in first half. 8 | SNS Group
12. Sivert Heltne Nilsen
Powerful presence in midfield, although picked up a predictable yellow card. Replaced on 67 minutes. 6 | SNS Group