Cyriel Dessers rescued Rangers when they were staring at more dropped points last Saturday, powering home a 93rd-minute winner to cap an exhilarating 4-3 triumph over a stubborn Dundee side at Dens Park.The much-debated forward’s clinical finish sent the travelling Rangers supporters into raptures and delivered three crucial points for the Light Blues in what was undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking Scottish Premiership encounters of the season.
The Nigerian international, who has often found himself the target of criticism from sections of the Rangers fanbase, showed remarkable perseverance throughout the match before delivering the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. His late strike sparked wild celebrations in the away end and took his impressive season tally to 23 goals across all competitions.The thrilling contest saw momentum shift constantly, with both teams exchanging blows as Rangers twice battled back from two goals down.
Just when a draw seemed inevitable, Dessers capitalised on a fortunate break, firing home the winner to secure all three points for the Light Blues. The goal stemmed from a long ball by captain James Tavernier, which Dundee defender Aaron Donnelly inadvertently redirected into Dessers’ path
.Rangers coach Neil McCann lauded the striker’s work ethic and perseverance in his preview of the upcoming league clash against Hibernian, emphasising Dessers’ determination even when opportunities were scarce.
“He will always divide opinion, Cyriel, because he will miss chances in games. I think that’s the life of a striker,” the former Light Blues winger explained.
“I said to him I was so proud of him after the game because he literally did not stop making runs. We’re always asking him to make runs and continue to believe he’s going to score.
told him at half-time I believed he was going to score. We just have to keep making chances for him. You hear it all the time and it is a cliché and it isn’t because you hear it with the best strikers saying that if he’s not getting chances, you start to worry that a team’s not creating. But we are creating for Cyriel.”
McCann also took time to acknowledge Dessers’ contribution beyond just goals, noting his importance to Rangers’ squad dynamics.
