Clement pleased with ´well deserved´ win despite Rangers´ missed chances

Philippe Clement believes Rangers’ 1-0 victory over Dundee was “well deserved”, but feels they had enough chances to make it a more comfortable win.

Vaclav Cerny struck the winner in the 46th minute, racing in behind after latching onto Danilo’s pass before coolly rounding goalkeeper Trevor Carson to slot in his 10th goal of the season.

It was a largely frustrating day for the Gers though, as they also struck the woodwork twice in each half, with Ianis Hagi and James Tavernier both seeing long-range efforts rattle the goal frame before the break.

After the goal, Hamza Igamane had an effort cleared off the line before he hit the underside of the bar from close range, while Cyriel Dessers was only inches away from getting a second in stoppage time.

The victory was enough to lift Rangers to second in the table after Aberdeen’s winless run extended to six games, but Clement was still left rueing their missed chances.

“We had good chances, but you need the second goal to kill the belief of the opponent, that’s what we missed today. We had enough opportunities for that,” he told BBC Scotland.

FULL-TIME: Rangers 1-0 Dundee

Three Points at Ibrox pic.twitter.com/8S4Bh3XoG5

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 21, 2024

“The important thing is the three points, and it was well deserved. Defensively, we did a good job.

“We always want to give our fans more than 1-0. We want to score three, four. The crossbar didn’t help today.”

Jack Butland was a notable absentee from the starting line-up, despite initially being named in goal and taking part in the pre-match warm-up.

However, he pulled out of the side before kick-off, with Liam Kelly taking his place on a quiet day as Dundee only had one shot on target, but Clement insisted it was not an injury problem for the former England international.

“People don’t need to worry, it was for personal reasons,” he added.

“He will be back for the next game. He probably doesn’t want me to tell people [why he was absent].”