Michael Beale stares into Rangers abyss as calamitous Aberdeen defeat has boss walking the plank - 3 talking points

Rangers celebrated Armed Forces Day but it’s Michael Beale firmly back in the firing line at Ibrox after his injury-hit side slumped to a demoralising Premiership defeat to Aberdeen.

Stefan Gartenmann’s first goal for Aberdeen, a second from birthday boy Jamie McGrath and a late clincher from Jack MacKenzie did the damage - with ex-Don Scott Wright red carded for a second booking just 26 minutes after coming on at half-time rubbing salt into the gaping wounds.

Abdallah Sima’s 75th minute tap in to make it 2-1 brought a little hope to the home support. But their fury at falling seven points behind Celtic echoed round Govan for large spells of a miserable afternoon with Beale the target for the majority of the venom. Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers and Sima all missed the target with good early chances for Rangers while Dons keeper Kelle Roos produced a spectacular point blank range to keep out Dessers 20th minute header.

Rangers were made to pay when Aberdeen produced a lesson in finishing as they forged ahead with their first effort after 37 minutes. Leighton Clarkson’s corner from the left floated across the six yard line and Gartenmann timed his run to perfection to slide in and knock past Jack Butland at the back post.

Miovski was the width of a post away from doubling the Dons’ lead when his header rattled back off Butland’s right hand upright shortly after the break. But birthday boy McGrath did find the second after 68 minutes as he smashed home from six yards after Butland had blocked a deflected drive from MacKenzie.

When Wright was sent off with 19 minutes to go for a second yellow after fouling Gartenmann, Rangers’ hopes looked to have evaporated. Yet Sima threw them a lifeline when he tapped home after Roos had