Ed mist descends
Goldson was needless as the defender attempted to clear his lines deep in his own half. Despite Aberdeen’s protests, Cosgrove had to go.
That could have been the moment that sparked Rangers into life but they couldn’t make the numerical advantage count before the break as Aberdeen stood firm.
Middleton was involved in both of their best chances. He forced Joe Lewis into a smart save to his left with a low shot, before the resulting corner was headed over by Morelos.
The chorus of boos at the break were directed towards McLean and his team but Rangers had bigger problems than some ropey refereeing.
Gerrard had to get his side going, and quickly. Flanagan was replaced at the break as Kyle Lafferty entered the action and Gerrard went on the offensive.
The Northern Irishman picked up a booking just minutes into the second half but he had soon tested Lewis as the keeper saved well. The follow-up block, turning a Jack effort wide of his right post, was even better.
The plan was now clear for Aberdeen as they attempted to stifle and frustrate Rangers and cause some angst amongst the home crowd.
There was a warm welcome for Eros Grezda, on in place of Coulibaly, as another attacking option was added to the action.
It was no surprise that Rangers were having the majority of the possession now but they continued to struggle as the ball was shifted left and right and too often wasted. When they did get in behind, Morelos fired over on the angle.
That was his last chance. Just minutes later, McLean showed him a second yellow card for catching Graeme Shinnie with his arm after the Dons skipper had won the ball in the middle of the park.
Gerrard had warned his players about the cost of needless reds yesterday morning but he was once again let down by the decision-making of one of his key players. Rangers had it all to do now to salvage a point, never mind take all three.
The Gers became increasingly desperate as the clock ticked on and the frustrations from the stands were more audible and frequent. It was starting to look like one of those nights.
In the end, so it was to prove. There was no dramatic equaliser like the one Aberdeen got on the opening day of the campaign at Pittodrie.
There were only thoughts of what might, and what should, have been for Rangers as their unbeaten Ibrox run and top spot were snatched away in one go.