Rangers have lost more ground in the title race with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Dundee.
Despite having over 60% possession in the game the visitors failed to break the deadlock which leaves them three points adrift of title rivals Celtic.
Rangers entered this fixture with just one win in their last seven fixtures and would of known a victory today was crucial in to maintain their title hopes.
Philippe Clement said during the week that this Dundee side had “nothing to lose” after securing their top six spot with a 0-0 draw against Aberdeen on the weekend.
Dundee started exactly as the Belgian would have expected going inches wide from taking the lead with just 20 seconds on the clock. Amadou Bakayako who found himself with his back to goal on the corner spot managed to pick out Malachi Boateng at the back post who could only direct his strike narrowly wide.
Abdullah Sima retained his place in the starting XI after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat against Ross County but should have put his side ahead after just 10 minutes. A smart ball over the top by Todd Cantwell allowed the Senegalese forward a chance on goal but a fine save by Jon McCracken kept this game level.
The hosts thought they had taken the deserved lead in the 21st minute when Bakayako bundled the ball home before the linesman raised his flag for offside. A near perfect free kick by Luke McCowan forced Butland into a low save down to his right, the English goalkeeper managed to keep out the first rebound before Bakayako sloted the ball home from close range. An offside in the build however allowed Rangers a let off.
It was a similar display from Rangers in the opening 45 minutes as we saw against Ross County. Clement’s side once again found themselves controlling the possession but lacking any creativity in the final third leaving the scoreline level going into the break.
The Rangers boss clearly not happy with his sides display made 3 changes early into the second half. Matondo, Dessers and Dowell all brought into the fold to try and create some sort of spark.
It took until the 72nd minute however for the first real chance of the second half. Cyriel Dessers looking bright on the counter attack, switched the ball onto his weaker left hand side before unleashing a strike which forced a great save out of McCracken.
The visitors continued to push for that all important goal but it failed to arrive to make it just 1 league win in their last 5.
Attention for Clement’s men now turns to the Scottish Cup semi final clash against Hearts.
For Dundee they will have a week off before facing Celtic at Dens Park in their first game after the split.
