Mick Beale came into Rangers promising to close the gap. Challenge Ange Postecoglou and reinstate the Ibrox outfit as Scotland’s top team.

In press conferences full of bluster and hot air, Beale’s side was brutally exposed by an Aberdeen side full of confidence at Pittodrie yesterday.

Yet for all the excuses the Rangers manager offered, the stats after that defeat cannot be denied.

For the avoidance of doubt, at this stage last season Rangers* were 6 points and 19 goals behind us.

This season they're 13 points and 31 goals behind us.

I'm no expert but I don't think the gap HAS closed despite what they tell you. pic.twitter.com/gQIrZhPNon

— Celtic F1rst (@CelticF1rst) April 23, 2023

Beale was sleekit. He was quick to distance himself from losing the league yesterday when he claimed that the damage was done before yesterday’s capitulation in Pittodrie.

But, what cannot be denied is that statistically, Rangers are worse of at this stage of the season than they were last season.

I wonder what Mick’s Mooth has to say about that?