Awful Aberdeen elevated Rangers to a status they don’t deserve as Celtic branded 'lazy' by the Hotline

Philippe Clement may have felt alone in the desert as Rangers’ travels became a trek through a barren landscape.

But it’s Jimmy Thelin now struggling to get his head around the Premiership’s shifting sands after his side’s 3-0 defeat at Ibrox. From nine points ahead of Gers, the dithering Dons now find them 12 adrift as that early-season title talk transpired to be nothing more than a mirage for the frustrated Pittodrie faithful. And Neil Renton, Leith, said: “I’m not saying Aberdeen are poor but they made one of the worst Rangers teams in recent memory look like the Harlem Globetrotters. Earlier on in the season they had top-two ambitions - now they’re heading for the bottom two.”

Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “I hope now that Rangers have beaten caller Gordon Ashley's major threat in Aberdeen that he doesn't move his attention on to Scotland's third best team. Keep throwing out the predictions Gordon as even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and again.”

Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, added: “The Dons can be no complaints about this Rangers victory. Aberdeen were outplayed, out-classed and could have conceded double the goals they did. As for Rangers, they are back on track after a very good performance. It bodes well for Manchester United at Old Trafford next week. A win could cement their place in the top eight and a slot in the last 16.”

Talk of a Rangers revival might be a tad premature - just like chat of a Celtic slump after their Dens Park draw. But you can always rely on the Hotline to bring you the toastiest of takes.

Take this call from Jack Armstrong, Bathgate, for starters: “Teams have now sussed Celtic out. We’re too lazy and predictable. Six or seven passes to come out of defence. Ten or 12 trying to