Rangers are playing catch-up on Celtic after only 90 minutes as Kilmarnock deservedly took all three points at Rugby Park. Derek McInnes’ men outfought a lacklustre Gers outfit, who had five summer signings in their starting X1 and never looked comfortable against combative Killie, who snatched the winner through Brad Lyons midway through the second half after a John Souttar blunder.
Michael Beale brought Connor Goldson straight back into the fold despite not playing any part in the pre-season build-up but there was a surprise further forward with Todd Cantwell starting on the bench alongside latest arrivals Danilo and Jose Cifuentes.
As expected, the visitors had plenty of possession in the early stages, but little penetration and a couple of Borna Barisic crosses were pulled out of the air confidently by Will Dennis in the Killie goal.
McInnes’ men began to impose themselves and were enjoying a spell on top when Abdallah Sima sprung the previously anonymous Cyriel Dessers on the counter attack, Ex-Gers kid Lewis Mayo got back to make a great challenge and wasn’t to know a late flag had gone up for offside against the Nigeria international.