A draw will have felt like a defeat for Steven Gerrard. Amid the concoction of emotions in his first Premiership match in charge of Rangers, the feeling of pride will surely stand out.

On course for a memorable victory after James Tavernier converted from the spot, Rangers were denied at the death. It wasn’t what they deserved but it was what many would have taken following Alfredo Morelos’ early red card.

This was a battle and Rangers had to dig deep. That they did just that will satisfy Gerrard and the annoyance of two points dropped will fade upon reflection of a terrific effort from his side.

This was a match that Rangers would surely have lost last season. If they can turn them into wins, like they could so easily have done here, Gerrard has a chance of ensuring his maiden term in the dugout will be remembered for all the right reasons.

The Gers fans that made the trip to the north east did so high in both hope and expectation as the new Premiership campaign finally got off and running.

The arrival of Gerrard in May has revitalised the support. After a few nightmare years, they are daring to dream once again.

Europa League outings with Shkupi and Osijek, and the friendly wins over Bury and Wigan, have given them an insight into this new-look side. This was a day where they would learn more about their manager and his recruits.

The destination of the points, of course, were always going to be the most important thing but the performance was enlightening. In the face of adversity, Rangers stood up to the challenge.

Gers sides of recent seasons have lacked the character and mentality that supporters demand but that shouldn’t be the case this time out with someone like Gerrard in the dugout.

This may not have been the fixture the 38-year-old would have handpicked to start the season, but it was a headline-grabbing opener to what could be a blockbuster campaign and Gerrard will know a little more about his players after a controversial yet entertaining 90 minutes.

There have been no shortage of flashpoints in the meetings between these two over the years and this historically highly-charged fixture had the potential to be another cracker on the first day of the campaign. It didn’t disappoint.

Rangers should have been ahead inside the opening five minutes but Jamie Murphy couldn’t beat Joe Lewis after collecting a terrific through ball from Connor Goldson. It was an early sign that Rangers were here to attack, though.

That blueprint could have gone out the window when Morelos was sent off but Gerrard’s side stuck to their task despite their man disadvantage. It was a problem they should never have had to solve, right enough.

The coming together between Morelos and Scott McKenna was innocuous and the Colombian made little contact with a flick that was unnoticed by the majority inside Pittodrie. After a section of the home support roared in protest, Kevin Clancy flashed the red card.

It was a baffling call from the referee and one which could only have been made after consultation with assistant David McGeachie. However the outcome was reached, there could be no argument that it was the wrong one.

Gerrard could have remonstrated over the decision as his side were left up against it inside the opening quarter of an hour. His mind was on shuffling his pack, however, as his remaining forwards – Josh Windass and Murphy – were given fresh instructions.

Rangers may have been a man down but it didn’t show as Aberdeen failed to capitalise. Soon, they were ahead on the park but behind on the scoreboard.

Lewis dealt with an effort from Scott Arfield but he was soon picking the ball out of his net as Rangers took the lead before the half hour mark.

Windass was bundled over by Dominic Ball and Clancy got the decision right this time as he pointed to the spot. That was followed by another mistake, though, as the Dons defender avoided any punishment for his foul.

Tavernier had to wait while the injured McKenna was replaced before he could step up. He kept his composure and fired the ball beyond Lewis before sprinting to celebrate with the travelling support.

For the remainder of Pittodrie, a sense of déjà vu steadily began to creep in as Aberdeen toiled. Once again, McInnes’ side were struggling against one of their Glasgow rivals.

When the Dons had a chance to make a statement of their own, they came up short. Chances were sparse and the encounter remained even.

The interval gave the Dons boss a chance to attempt to alter the course of the game and it wasn’t long before Stevie May was introduced as McInnes tried to add more potency to his forward line.

Rangers were still largely comfortable, however, and the murmurs of discontent that had greeted Aberdeen at half-time steadily increased as the action unfolded.

Gerrard would have been delighted with the application and effort from his side. They stood firm at the back and still posed a threat of their own.

It was disciplined and determined from Rangers and another indicator of the impact that Gerrard has had, courtesy of both his recruitment and his approach.

Windass couldn’t divert a cross from Lassana Coulibaly under Lewis’ bar, while he picked the wrong option after being sent clear by Jack as he cut inside and saw a shot blocked.

As Aberdeen became increasingly desperate, Rangers looked to see the game out. It said it all about how the afternoon had gone for the Dons that a challenge from May on Ryan Jack sparked a cheer from the home crowd.

The midfielder had to be replaced after being clattered by May. It was as close as anyone in red had been to Jack as he followed up his performance against Osijek with another accomplished showing in the middle of the park.

All that Jack, and Rangers, needed now was the final whistle. Unfortunately for Gerrard, it didn’t come soon enough.

Just as Rangers thought the job was done, just as Aberdeen thought they were beaten, substitute Bruce Anderson found the bottom corner of McGregor’s net.

It was a case of so near yet so far for Gerrard. The points were shared, but there were plenty of positives for Rangers.