Sky Sports News. 3 things we learned as Aberdeen go nine points clear of Rangers with yet another win.

Aberdeen demonstrated they are legitimate Scottish Premiership championship contenders by defeating Rangers at a bouncy Pittodrie.

The game began frantically, with both teams struggling to maintain the ball for an extended amount of time.

Rangers had the opening opportunity of the game when Cyriel Dessers’ clever footwork resulted in a shot on goal, but it was tame and easily saved by Dimitar Mitov.

Aberdeen had opportunities to score through Jamie McGrath and Nicky Devlin, but the Irishman’s shot was blocked before Jack Butland could make the save.

Ester Sokler was furious not long after when he believed a free kick should have been awarded after falling to the ground under Leon Balogun’s assault.

The Nigerian had only the tiniest touch on the ball, but he took enough of Sokler when he was through on goal – a major call by referee John Beaton, which was supported by VAR.

But Sokler smiled from ear to ear minutes later. Nicky Devlin’s controlled half-volley was rifled home following superb work on the left by Jack MacKenzie, who provided the cross for the Scotland cap.

Absolute chaos occurred in the seats, with Aberdeen taking a merited lead – and it might have been more in the subsequent phases of play.

Rangers were on the ropes defensively, and it looked like their night was about to become a lot worse.

John Souttar was called for handball as the ball clearly hit his arm in the penalty area. Beaton originally missed it, but was summoned to the monitor by VAR to examine himself.

He granted the penalty, but McGrath missed the chance to put Aberdeen ahead 2-0 before the break.

Rangers believed they had equalised when Ross McCausland poked in from close range. However, when Nedim Bajrami squared the ball to the winger, he was declared offside. Aberdeen fans breathed a sigh of relief as they led 1-0 at halftime.

The visitors showed a lot more desire to come forward early in the second half, but they lacked the quality to draw level until the 62nd minute.

Nedim Bajrami produced superb footwork on the left before sending an attempt into the other corner to hush Pittodrie; in truth, the equaliser was probably merited.

But Aberdeen stayed solid defensively, and what was their reward? After 73 minutes, Shayden Morris scored again, this time after Nicky Devlin’s toe poked effort struck both posts.

Rangers’ defence was a mess, with James Tavernier failing to clear his lines before Devlin’s goal.

Rangers pushed and struggled to find a leveller, but they ran out of time as Aberdeen held tight to earn another three points.

Here’s what Not The Old Firm learnt from the game on a big night in the northeast.

Aberdeen thrashed Rangers in the first half

Aberdeen were everything Rangers weren’t over the first 45 minutes. They were more physical, raced faster, made better passes, and, most importantly, had shots on goal, which kept Jack Butland busy.

Jamie McGrath had a shot blocked, while skipper Graeme Shinnie struck a post with a drive from outside the area.

Rangers were trapped in as Aberdeen launched assault after attack. And they truly should have been up 2-0 at halftime, not just because of their opportunities, but also because of the penalty granted to them.

McGrath’s shot from 12 yards was tame, and Aberdeen fans hoped it wasn’t a moment to be regretted later in the game.

Dons stood firm defensively.

Rangers, as previously said, enjoyed a spell of control early in the second half, during which they scored their equalizer.

They continued to batter Aberdeen’s goal following Bajrami’s well-taken strike, but the home side shown their grit and will to cling on and maintain the score at 1-1.

It was an era in which Aberdeen demonstrated its mental fortitude and teamwork. Bodies were flung on the line, tackles were flying in, and there was only one goal in mind: keep the ball out of the net.

This squad is unquestionably capable of capturing the Premiership title. Being nine points ahead of Rangers and still level with Celtic demonstrates this.

VAR was used effectively on three occasions.

VAR was required throughout the contest. The first occurred when Sokler was hauled down by Balogun while on goal, but replays revealed that the ball was won by the Rangers defender.

The Souttar penalty controversy was also handled appropriately. The former Hearts star’s arm was out as the ball flew off it, which Beaton noticed from the pitchside monitor. It was simply a shame McGrath couldn’t convert to make it 2-0.

VAR was called into play again when Ross McCausland was found to be slightly offside after tapping in what he thought was a Rangers equalizer in the first half.

This was a terrific night for Beaton and the VAR officials, who were involved in a high-profile brawl shown live on Sky Sports.

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