Rangers’ winless start to the Scottish Premiership season continued after captain James Tavernier’s late penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw against Dundee at Ibrox, leaving the Glasgow club without a victory from their opening two league matches for the first time since 1989.
The home side, reduced to ten men following Nasser Djiga’s dismissal, looked destined for defeat after Ryan Astley’s well-timed header from a cleverly executed free-kick gave Dundee the lead.
The visitors, seeking their first league win at Ibrox in 24 years, appeared set to deliver a statement result for new head coach Steven Pressley.
However, a foul on Djeidi Gassama inside the area allowed Tavernier to level from the spot in the closing stages.
Rangers’ performance lacked the fluidity and precision seen in their midweek Champions League qualifying triumph over Viktoria Plzen.
The pace and creativity in possession were notably absent, prompting frustration from the home support, who audibly expressed their displeasure at periods of slow build-up and questionable substitutions.
Defensively, Dundee showed remarkable improvement from their League Cup group stage exits to Airdrieonians and Alloa Athletic, as well as last week’s early collapse against Hibernian.
Organised in a compact structure and quick to transition forward, they nullified much of Rangers’ attacking threat.
Their disciplined back line, marshalled by Astley, Clark Robertson, and Luke Graham, dealt confidently with aerial challenges and limited space for Rangers’ forwards.
The visitors could have extended their lead in the first half, with Robertson twice striking the same post—first from a powerful header that bounced into goalkeeper Jack Butland’s gloves, and later from a similar effort ruled offside.
Butland was called upon to make key interventions, ensuring Rangers remained within striking distance.
Despite late pressure following Djiga’s sending off, Rangers failed to convert possession into sustained chances.
A potential winning goal from Cyriel Dessers was overturned by VAR for offside, sealing a result that is likely to intensify early-season scrutiny on head coach Russell Martin.
For Dundee, this performance may prove a turning point.
The cohesion, defensive resilience, and work rate on display suggest that Pressley’s side could exceed expectations this season.
For Rangers, however, the inability to break down organised opposition remains a pressing concern—particularly with the looming prospect of rivals Celtic extending their advantage in the title race.
