Rangers FC 4 - 1 Aberdeen: Sakala Shines

Rangers FC produced the best performance of the season today at Ibrox against Aberdeen; although there haven't been many to choose from! 

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst named 2 changes to the side that started Wednesday's defeat to Napoli. The ever enthusiastic Fashion Sakala took Scott Wright's place on the right wing and goal machine Antonio Colak returned to the side after Alfredo Morelos' disappointing outing midweek. This meant that Ridvan Yilmaz retained his place in the side following his bright display against Napoli. However, after a positive start, he was substituted with just 8 minutes on the clock following what appeared to be a hamstring strain. Van Bronckhorst confirmed after full-time that he expects the Turk to be out for 'a couple of weeks'. 

Things got worse before they got better when Aberdeen made it 1-0 on the 20 minute mark. Leon King lost his man and was punished when Luis 'Duk' Lopes pounced on a through ball and drove into the box. The new Aberdeen striker ran into traffic in the Rangers FC penalty area but when the ball broke, the Gers backline seemed to freeze, leaving Barron to blast his effort past the helpless McGregor. King may be disappointed with his marking upon reflection, however, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst deciding to go man for man at the back, the 18 year old is not to blame.

The Ibrox crowd became restless, with memories of Livingston undoubtedly in their minds. Step up that man Colak. No less than 7 minutes later the SPL top scorer took his tally to 11 in the league, by sweeping home a first time finish after brilliant work from Malik Tillman left him with a tap-in. Rangers FC then deservedly took the lead on the brink of half time. A powerful volley from Tav was parried by the Aberdeen goalie into the path of Davies, who cut the ball back across the face for John Lundstram to smash home for 2-1. After setting up the goal, Ben Davies joined Yilmaz on the treatment table at half time, leaving us with one recognised centre half. The number of injuries picked up this campaign makes you wonder whether we have been victim of some extremely bad luck or whether the fitness/medical team at Ibrox at fit for purpose. 

An action packed 2nd half got underway as our lead was quickly extended with Tav nodding home an inviting Barisic cross at the back post. It was the captain who was at the centre of proceedings, when he hit the post from the spot 10 minutes later. Alfredo Morelos closed the scoring on the 85th minute, poking home after excellent work from Sakala. Special mention for Sakala who had an outstanding game. Constantly on the front foot for the full 90, beating the Aberdeen left back with ease every time he had the ball, his efforts deserved at least one goal. 

Final score: Rangers FC 4:1 Aberdeen