Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna believes his side made it too easy for Rangers as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat on the opening day of the new season on Saturday.
Ryan Kent’s 21st minute goal gave Steven Gerrard’s side all three points at Pittodrie and McKenna is frustrated his side failed to lay a glove on one of Scottish football’s heavyweights.
He said: “I thought we were passive for the first half of the first half and then we came into it a wee bit before half time. We got our distances a wee bit better. In the first 20, 25 minutes it was far too easy for them.
“There were far too many gaps for them to play the ball forward and break on us. Other than the mistake that led to the goal I don’t think they had too many other chances apart from when we were chasing the game with 10 men and Ash Taylor cleared it off the line.
“We had a couple of half chances ourselves without really creating anything of any real note. There was the free-kick that was scrambling behind but other than that I don’t think there was too much.”
The game was the first match of a new season which has initially started behind closed doors.
There may have been no fans in attendance but the Dons still finished the game with 10 men after Andy Considine was sent-off for a foul on Rangers substitute Scott Arfield.
There was much debate about what impact no fans would have on a traditionally feisty fixture and McKenna believes there was no discernible difference.
He said: “I actually don’t think it was too bad. I don’t think a game against Rangers requires fans to get you up for it.
“Obviously it helps and normally it’s a great atmosphere and a sell-out. But I think once the whistle went there was intent from both teams and tackles flying in early doors.
“We just created the atmosphere ourselves between the two teams.”
While Aberdeen have no points to show for the endeavours from the opening game McKenna believes the Dons are in good shape for the campaign ahead.
He said: “We know exactly how good Jonny Hayes is from the time he had here before. Tommie Hoban has just been very unlucky with injuries but he’s played at a very good level down south and the times he has been on the park here we’ve seen just how good a player he is.
“Hopefully he can get back fit and stay fit and healthy and we’ll see the best in him again.
“Obviously big Ryan Edmondson up front put himself about and linked the ball quite nicely. We’ve not seen much of him at all, he only came up on Friday and signed.
“With the injuries we have up front and the real lack of options it was a good first performance from him for the time he was on the pitch.”