Alfredo Morelos scores twice and is sent off as Gers claim victory in six-goal thriller

Alfredo Morelos noticed crimson in opposition to Aberdeen for the third time this season however not earlier than firing the double which helped Rangers to a drama-filled 4-2 win at Pittodrie.

The Colombian gave one more demonstration of his undoubted abilities as he prolonged his tally for the season to 23 targets with two medical finishes.

However having been despatched off on each earlier Ladbrokes Premiership encounters with Derek McInnes’ Dons, he let his mood get the higher of him as soon as once more after getting embroiled in a confrontation with Scott McKenna that noticed each males dismissed simply after half-time.

Morelos’ earlier indiscretions had proved expensive however this time captain James Tavernier tucked residence the Gers’ fifth penalty award in two video games earlier than a Jermain Defoe strike in stoppage time sealed a valuable win that retains Steven Gerrard’s males six factors behind leaders Celtic.

McInnes had loved the higher hand on Gerrard of their three earlier conferences, with two wins and an opening-day draw.

However whereas Sam Cosgrove additionally struck twice – one from the spot – the Reds drop 5 behind their Ibrox rivals.

Either side handed up early possibilities nevertheless it was Morelos who landed the evening’s opening blow.

Ryan Kent picked up the ball 25 yards out earlier than setting off an a protracted arching run in the direction of the field.

His shot on the angle was well-struck but Joe Lewis succeeded only in parrying it straight to Morelos who tucked home first time.

Aberdeen’s response came on the half-hour mark. Rangers were 65 yards from their own goal when Graeme Shinnie robbed Borna Barisic but the Dons were immediately off and running.

Tavernier could only head away a Greg Stewart cross but it was fizzed back into the box by Lewis Ferguson. The ball ricocheted off Tavernier and then Connor Goldson before falling perfectly for Cosgrove to roll home.

Rangers’ title credentials were now up for question as the home support roared their team on.

However Rangers confirmed they aren’t able to let Celtic race off into the gap and regained their lead seven minutes later.

Ryan Jack pushed ahead from midfield earlier than discovering Kent. The ball was slipped by to Morelos, who produced a sensational end to search out the underside nook with nearly no backlift.

There was a sure inevitability that following the weekend controversy of Gers’ 4 penalties in opposition to St Mirren there could be extra spot-kick drama right here.

However the fact was referee Bobby Madden was left with two of the clearest awards possible.

The primary within the 42nd minute got here when McKenna, within the strategy of claiming offside in opposition to Goldson, raised an arm above his head which then blocked the defender’s flick-on.

With Tavernier’s place on the head of the Mild Blues’ penalty pecking order reiterated, the skipper stepped as much as slot Gerrard’s crew two in entrance.

Their lead was trimmed again three minutes after the restart as Madden was met with one other simple award as Tavernier bundled over Ferguson as they jostled at a nook and Cosgrove claimed his second by ramming previous Allan McGregor.

The true flashpoint, nevertheless, got here within the 54th minute as Morelos and McKenna obtained their marching orders.

The pair had been embroiled in a operating battle all evening however took issues too far when each appeared to kick out at one another on the deck.

Morelos was trying to get revenge on the Dons defender for the crimson card he obtained for an earlier spat on day one of many season as he threw himself theatrically concerning the flooring, however Madden determined each needed to go.

Aberdeen threw warning to the wind throughout seven minutes of stoppage time however the sport was up when Tavernier slotted in Defoe for his third Rangers aim.