Clement is grasping at straws, claiming his side were unlucky in defeat at Pittodrie… with Rangers nine points off the Championship pace

An embattled Philippe Clement said Rangers had produced one of their best performances of the season as they finished nine points behind Aberdeen and Celtic in the title race and suffered a disastrous defeat at Pittodrie.

In a predictably frantic game, the home side took the lead through Nicky Devlin just after the half-hour mark.

Jimmy Thelin’s men missed a chance to go two goals up at the break when Jamie McGrath missed a penalty and Nedim Bajrami made Jimmy Thelin’s side pay with a second-half equaliser.

But with Rangers unable to take the lead, substitute Shaden Morris sealed the famous victory with a close-range strike 16 minutes from time – his first league goal for the club – and ensured that the resurgent Dons had now won 15 games and played tied at 16 under. their new manager.

Clement, however, was adamant that the latest setback had hit his players hard. He said: “It’s a shame to lose, but we could have drawn or won if circumstances had gone our way.”

“We started well but then Aberdeen took over and we had to struggle. The game was in our hands then, but we didn’t take advantage of our chances, but they did.

“We need to be more alert in the final third of the match and we also need more luck on our side.” But I think it was one of our best performances this season with the new lineup.

“All credit to Aberdeen for the way they played. They deserve to be there.

“We are working hard to improve the situation, but I think it was one of the best performances from several players.

“In terms of points, of course, we should have more. But if it weren’t for the toenail (against Cyriel Dessers) on our offside goal, the score could have been 2:2.

“It’s not that Aberdeen hit us. This is not reality.

“The fans want to win, and so do we. We need to improve to get nine points, but we need to build momentum again.”

Clement said his team could still restore the points difference between themselves and the top two.

“Yes, it’s a big gap, but if you’re focused on being behind, you’re not focused on getting points,” he added.

“When I came on last season, there was a big gap at that moment too, and we came back completely, but at the end of the road we were not successful.

“So it was a game-by-game story where we gave our best to get the three points and went game by game. That’s what we need to do again.”

Dons boss Thelin was effusive in his praise of the character his side showed again in maintaining a perfect record at Pittodrie.

“Of course it was an emotional game, a lot happened today,” he said.

“I think our first half was one of the best. We attacked in different ways and the intensity of the game was very strong.

“They had more momentum in the second half, but we played on with a very strong team spirit.

“It was difficult at some points, but thanks to the fans, the way they support us, and the calmness, we stayed in the game.

“Again, the players on the field matter, and they matter a lot. We know what is really dangerous in the transitions, and we find a way out.

“I am very pleased with the character of the team, the team spirit is very strong.”

Thelin played down the result, saying: “Once again it’s a three-point game for us and we’re taking it game by game.

“Of course, I know we used to talk about history and all those things that the fans should enjoy today, but for us now it’s important to stay focused and now we have another big game on Saturday.”