Allan McGregor: Called into action to deny Ramadani at his near post on 40 minutes. Won’t want to see Scales’ opener again as the Dons man’s audacious long-range effort caught the 41-year-old by surprise and sailed over his head. Rooted to his spot moments later when a cross found Miovski at the back post who nodded home. Denied Duncan late on with a solid block. 5

James Tavernier: A poor pass aimed for Morelos was latched onto by Scales who fired Aberdeen ahead at the start of the second half. Curled an effort over the bar after a neat give-and-go with Tillman and was denied by one-handed Roos stop from point-blank range as Rangers searched for a lifeline. 6

John Souttar: Strong challenge to deny Duk in the penalty area in the opening stages. Coped well in the main and was relatively comfortable in possession. 6

Ben Davies: A shaky display from the former Preston man. He had a fresh air swipe early on although he recovered. Gave the ball away needlessly to Miovski which resulted in a shot on goal from Ramadani. His current form will concern supporters heading into next week’s Scottish Cup semi-final. 5

Borna Barisic: One of a number who were off the boil. Poor finish after being laid off by Tillman inside the penalty area when he failed to hit the target. Caught on his heels as Miovski headed past McGregor at the back post for 2-0 after a lengthy VAR check. 5

John Lundstram: A typical John Lundstram performance, kept things simple in the main but offered very little going forward. 5

Nico Raskin: A relatively quiet and ineffectual afternoon for the Belgian. His eyes would’ve lit up when he was played in by Sakala only to see his shot blocked by the onrushing Pawlett in the first half and saw another effort blocked by MacDonald in the second half as Aberdeen defended resolutely. Replaced by Matondo on 64 minutes. 5

Todd Cantwell: Struggled to influence the game as he would’ve liked. Received the first yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Pollock. Good burst into the box on the hour mark but was met by a red wall. Tried to force the issue in the second half but was guilty of poor decision-making at times. 6

Malik Tillman: The American wasn't at the races. He did produce some tidy touches and flicks on occasion but it was few and far between. Teed Sakala and Barisic up for chances on goal in the first half but both failed to take them. Dragged a shot wide as Rangers chased an equaliser. Rangers need more from him. 5

Fashion Sakala: Another frustrating performance from the Zambian. Should’ve broken the deadlock on 13 minutes when he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper only to fire straight at Roos. Blazed well over from 20 yards out shortly after. Lovely weighted touch into Raskin but the Belgian’s shot was blocked by the sliding Pawlett. As is the norm, he was caught offside several times which must have Michael Beale pulling his hair out. Hooked for Arfield late on. 4

Alfredo Morelos: Desperately unlucky not to open the scoring 12 minutes in with a good swivel and volley only to be denied by Clarkson. That aside, the Colombian was easily dealt with by the Aberdeen backline. A costly slip allowed Scales to steal the ball from a Tavernier pass before his speculative cross-cum-shot caught McGregor by surprise and nestled into the back of the net. 5

Substitutes

Rabbi Matondo: Replaced Raskin and immediately won a corner with a ball driven into the box. Should've done better with an effort on 75 minutes but fired wide and fizzed a shot past the post in the closing stages. 3

Scott Arfield: Was the hero on his last visit to Pittodrie but no such joy in what was a sobering afternoon in the North East. 2