Rangers manager Derek McInnes praised Lawrence Shankland for delivering in a decisive moment as his side claimed their first Scottish Premiership win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium.
Shankland settled the contest from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, giving Rangers a much-needed response after their disappointing midweek exit from the Conference League qualifying play-offs.
The result eased some of the pressure on McInnes following a difficult opening to his time in charge. Rangers had been frustrated in their previous league matches but produced a more determined display in Aberdeen, controlling much of the game and limiting the hosts to few opportunities.
Rangers had 56.2% possession and recorded 18 shots compared with Aberdeen’s 10. They also restricted Aberdeen to 0.5 expected goals, with only 0.2 xG coming from open play.
Despite that advantage, the visitors needed Shankland’s calmness from 12 yards to secure all three points. McInnes said the striker had shown exactly why Rangers signed him.
“Just really satisfied with what I saw. Pleased for the players and the supporters,” he told Sky Sports.
“It was a huge effort from everyone, and we get the reward with three points. It’s nothing more than we deserve. For the first time in a long time, a lot of Rangers supporters probably enjoyed the performance.
“When the chance comes along, it’s a big moment for Lawrence and that’s why we brought him here.
“Thursday was a really poor performance, we had to dig deep, so the players deserve credit for sorting their heads out.
“We need to enjoy the win, but we need to make it a habit.”
The victory came only days after Rangers’ European disappointment, making the reaction at Pittodrie particularly important for McInnes. He had demanded a stronger response from his players and was pleased with the collective effort they produced.
Rangers midfielder Cammy Devlin said the squad had been determined to show greater unity after the setback in midweek, while also acknowledging there remains room for improvement in possession.
“The disappointment during the week, it’s been a tough start, so I think it was important to show a real togetherness and what a real Rangers team would look like,” said midfielder Cammy Devlin.
“The fans were incredible, so for them to turn up and give us that extra bit of noise really helped us. That desperation to win was really on show.
“It was a proper performance. We can be a lot better with the ball, but it was about winning, and we’ve done that.
“Coming here it’s never easy. It was one big moment: Shanks scores, and we go home with three points.”
Rangers’ first league success of the campaign was achieved through a disciplined defensive performance and greater attacking pressure, although their decisive moment came from the penalty awarded to Shankland.
For McInnes, the challenge now is to ensure the win becomes the start of a consistent run rather than an isolated result.
