Rangers Champions. Rangers 1-0 Aberdeen: Three things we learned

By Alexander Cruickshanks

The atmosphere was electric inside Hampden as Rangers claimed the first trophy of the season with a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen. Let’s take a look at what stood out:

Philippe Clement celebrating his first trophy win at Rangers (Image: Getty Images)

Rangers win first League Cup since 2011

A James Tavernier volley was the dagger that pierced the Aberdeen defence. Up until that point, it hadn’t been a great game. There were a few close calls but no clear-cut chances within the game. It was a fiery encounter with 10 bookings to players and Aberdeen manager Barry Robson receiving a caution as well. Then, the moment came: A ball to the back post by Borna Barisic evading everyone found its way to James Tavernier. He took a touch and smashed it into the ground, and it bounced into the net. Like Nikica Jelavić back in 2011, Tavernier won it for Rangers and secured Philippe Clement’s first trophy as Rangers manager.

James Tavernier wins his first ever League Cup (Image: Getty Images)

Todd Cantwell is Rangers’ heartbeat

Todd Cantwell lifts his first Rangers trophy (Image: Getty Images)

They did it without him in Spain, but today you could see the difference in play when Todd Cantwell was on the pitch. Playing in the number 10 role, he has flourished under Clement. Everything goes through him and against Aberdeen he was brilliant. Winning fouls, linking the play and just causing all sorts of problems for Aberdeen. He’s so quick on the turn and has an incredible first touch to draw defenders in and win vital free kicks. Graham Shinnie in particular couldn’t handle Cantwell, eventually getting booked. He is essential and will be needed in Rangers’ title challenge.

Todd Cantwell locked in midfield battle (Image: Getty Images)

Time is running out for Barry Robson

Barry Robson pre match at Hampden (Image: Getty Images)

Despite making it to the League Cup final, all is not well at Pittodrie. coming into this cup final, Aberdeen sit tenth in the Premiership table, just five points ahead of bottom-placed Livingston, who, for reference have gone 8 games without a victory. Aberdeen themselves have one league win in their last 5 matches and for a team whose expectations are third or above, this is unacceptable. Now with this final defeat, the pressure will pile on Barry Robson and his days at Aberdeen may be numbered.