Rangers’ Pittodrie win offers McInnes a lifeline after shaky start

Rangers’ 1‑0 victory at Pittodrie gives Derek McInnes a much‑needed lifeline, halting a run of two wins in seven matches and easing pressure on his tenure after European elimination in August. The win, secured by Lawrence Shankland’s second‑half penalty, also provides the first Scottish Premiership triumph for the Gers under McInnes.

How the win was clinched

Lawrence Shankland stepped up in the 69th minute, converting a spot‑kick earned by Djeidi Gassama to give Rangers a 1‑0 lead at Pittodrie. Aberdeen’s Kevin Nisbet saw a goal disallowed in the 81st minute after the referee judged him to have pushed full‑back Dujon Sterling.

Pressure before the victory

Until Sunday’s trip north to Aberdeen, Derek McInnes had not really enjoyed watching his Rangers team. The Ibrox boss had overseen only two wins in seven matches, a run that left his dream job in danger of spiralling out of control after a humiliating Conference League exit to Jablonec in August.

McInnes praised the display, saying, “It’s great to have a winning performance. I really, really enjoyed watching the team today.” He added that the side showed “moments of enjoyment” and “quality” despite not being “sparkling for 90 minutes.”

The win also marked the debut of 20‑year‑old South Korean winger Kim Min‑su, signed from Girona on a four‑year deal for a reported fee of £8.5m. Alongside Djeidi Gassama, the new signing was highlighted as one of the best attacking players in a performance that otherwise lacked quality.

What lies ahead for the Gers

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton dismissed the display as “bitty,” questioning whether it could be a turning point. Kris Boyd, meanwhile, cautioned against getting carried away but welcomed the three points, saying Rangers “came up here and got three points – that was the most important thing.”

McInnes said the next challenge is an away game to Falkirk, stressing the need to “get ready” quickly. He also hinted at a possible striker signing, with Kevin Kelsy of Portland Timbers linked as a target to cover Youssef Chermiti’s long‑term injury, hoping to finalise the deal before Wednesday’s match.

The Image, supplied by SNS, captures Shankland’s decisive penalty, a moment that gave the Gers their first Scottish Premiership win under McInnes and a sliver of optimism for the season ahead.