Philippe Clement has implored his Rangers players to start replicating their Ibrox dominance away from home after they defeated Aberdeen 3-0.
His players were in control against the Dons from early on, Hamza Igamane even pretending he was playing an Xbox as he celebrated edging the home side in front in the 13th minute.
Substitutes Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers added late goals in what ended up a straightforward victory, with Clement’s side now taking 34 points from a possible 36 at home this season.
While supporters groups held more protest banners aloft after 55 minutes, the victory earned an ovation from home fans at full-time.
‘It’s about us on the pitch, showing the right things. Then the fans get behind us,’ said Clement. ‘People go home with a good feeling and that is our ambition.
Igamane pretends to play his Xbox as he celebrates scoring the opener against Dons
Nsiala congratulates Igamane after his goal in the 13th minute at Ibrox
Clement was delighted with performance and wants team to replicate it away from home
‘We are working hard to keep doing that and this team is growing and getting better.
‘Now we have to do that in away games.
‘It would have been harsh if we had just won 1-0. It was important to kill the opponent with the second and third goals.
‘You know in football that you can dominate and then one ball drops in your box and you lose points.
‘That has happened to us in away games this season.
‘It was important to get the other goals and I am happy for Leon and Cyriel.
‘We have to keep working hard and be ready to get the results we want. You see more and more that we are getting used to each other.
‘They need to become better and they are hungry to do that. But we have to confirm these things in the away games. That is the very important point for the next weeks and months.’
Leon Balogun heads home the second goal in the dying stages of the match
Defender Balogun was delighted to make it 2-0 after coming off the bench
Fellow substitute Cyriel Dessers slotted home the third goal for Rangers
Balogun and Dessers were clearly happy to get on the scoresheet in 3-0 victory
Rangers host Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup on Sunday before very different challenges against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League and third place Dundee United at Tannadice.
Victory was marred slightly by fresh injuries, Brazilian striker Danilo limping off at half-time holding his shoulder before defender Robin Propper was replaced by Balogun after twisting an ankle.
‘I don’t know about Danilo but it’s nothing to do with his old injury,’ said Clement.
‘We will see in the next few days. Maybe it’s not too bad, maybe it’s for longer term. We will see.
‘It’s good to have James (Tavernier) and Leon back. It’s crucial to rotate the squad if we have the ambition to win every time.’
Clement refused to comment on reports of an exit for Rabbi Matondo, with Torino, Lecce, Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday linked with the Welsh winger.
‘Rabbi wasn’t selected for a sporting choice. I put two young lads in because they are performing better for the moment.
‘Oscar (Cortes) felt something on Tuesday night so we will need to assess him.’
Aberdeen’s winless streak was extended to 12 games, the Dons undone after 13 minutes when a defensive error by Sivert Heltne Nilsen gifted Igamane the opener.
The defeat extended Aberdeen’s dismal winless streak to 12 games
Manager Thelin says his team have to get back to winning ways quickly
Ibrox still witnessed some protests but it was generally a happier night for Rangers
Boss Jimmy Thelin handed new signings Jeppe Okkels, Kristers Tobers, Alexander Jensen and Alfie Dorrington an Ibrox baptism of fire on a night when his team found it difficult to keep the ball.
‘We weren’t calm and composed enough. We were too stressed on the ball,’ said the Swede.
‘We gave it away and played to their strengths. We need to find a rhythm and find a way to get results soon to get out the other side of this.
‘Rangers had more shots but we stayed in the game until the end.
‘The players tried and ran for each other until the last minute. We have challenges right now and have to get better.’
Aberdeen are away to League Two Elgin City in the Scottish Cup fifth round this weekend, with Thelin urging his players to stop the rot.
‘Every game is important and we need to win on Saturday,’ he said. ‘We have to go through and live up to our reputation.’
