A glance again on the main speaking factors from the Scottish Premiership that includes Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hearts, Dundee Utd and extra…
Celtic cruising & Rangers rattled
“Celtic make things happen. Rangers hope things happen.”
Kris Boyd’s scathing post-match evaluation on Sky Sports activities following one other Previous Agency triumph for the champions maybe sums it up finest.
Brendan Rodgers’ aspect have been favourites, and by half-time, it was clear to see why. Celtic have misplaced simply one among their final 13 derbies in all competitions. Rangers, nonetheless, have now misplaced their final 5 league journeys to their rivals – their worst run at Celtic Park since 1980.
The fear for Rangers will likely be, Celtic will solely get higher – so can they shut the hole?
Celtic’s file £11m signing Arne Engles was launched within the second half, alongside fellow deadline day arrival Luke McCowan. Adam Idah – who joined for £9.5m – can also be getting as much as full pace, whereas Auston Trusty will quickly be within the equation too after becoming a member of earlier than the window shut for £6m. Extra is to return from Celtic.
Philippe Clement was in a position to throw on Hamza Igamane as a late sub after his harm points, whereas Neraysho Kasanwirjo was on the bench after his deadline day transfer, and £3.4m midfielder Nedim Bajrami will likely be obtainable after the worldwide break. Which may not be sufficient to cease their rivals however Gers followers will hope it’s at the very least sufficient to complete second.
Boyd believes his former membership are in a race to complete the perfect of the remainder behind Celtic – with Aberdeen and Dundee United at the moment forward of them. Solely time will inform if others can separate the Previous Agency.
Thelin’s terrific transformation at Aberdeen
When Jimmy Thelin took over at Pittodrie in the summertime, few would have thought they’d be separating the Previous Agency on the first worldwide break.
Nonetheless, with 9 wins from 9 in all competitions – together with 4 within the league – it’s precisely the place Aberdeen discover themselves.
There would have been issues when Bojan Miovski – who scored 26 objectives throughout all competitions final season – departed for £6.8m in the summertime. Nonetheless, Thelin’s aspect usually are not a one-man band.
Jamie McGrath is contributing with objectives and assists, captain Graeme Shinnie is main by instance, new signings Gavin Molloy and Dimitar Mitov are impressing on the again, plus Kevin Nisbet’s late winner at Ross County reminded everybody what he can provide after becoming a member of from Millwall.
Eight objectives scored, simply two conceded and 12 factors from 12 within the league – issues are going properly.
Ross County boss Don Cowie stated he took some positives from the defeat – however with only one objective and two factors to their title to date – enhancements are wanted in the event that they’re to keep away from one other season battling relegation.
Hearts hurting & Dundee United delight
Over at Tynecastle Park, Hearts head coach Steven Naismith insists he’ll battle for his future on the helm.
The Jambos misplaced all their pre-season friendlies, and apart from a gap day draw towards Rangers, have tasted defeat in each match since – a run of six losses on the bounce throughout all competitions.
Supporters are annoyed, the vulnerabilities are clear to see and confidence is missing. Pressure is constructing within the stands and replicating final season’s third-place end appears a good distance away.
Some would possibly take consolation in understanding a poor run of type hit at this stage final season and Hearts did end third. Nonetheless, issues might want to enhance rapidly if the stress is to ease on Naismith.
It’s a very completely different feeling at Tannadice. That 1-0 win over Hearts means Dundee United are third – above Rangers – regardless of solely being promoted in the summertime.
Their begin to the season is just bettered by Celtic and Aberdeen, with two wins and two attracts from 4. David Babunski, Jort van der Sande, Will Ferry, Luca Stephenson and extra have been all signed in the summertime and are all making an influence.
Supervisor Jim Goodwin stated he wished to keep away from relegation this season however their return to the top-flight might be much more particular than that if this run of type continues.
Can Kilmarnock & Hibs flip type round?
There are worrying indicators at Rugby Park and Easter Street too. Each Kilmarnock and Hibernian would have been focusing on a top-six end – however Killie are backside, Hibs are ninth and each are winless to date.
Sunday’s draw was the primary level Kilmarnock picked up this season, which means new Hibs boss David Grey continues to be looking for that elusive first victory since taking up completely.
Of late Hibs have proven they’ll put the ball within the internet, scoring twice towards Dundee and taking the lead at Kilmarnock. As a lot as that can present consolation to Grey – he will likely be alarmed by the constant conceding of late objectives which have value them 4 factors. Defensive errors might want to disappear rapidly if Hibs are to maneuver up the desk.
As for Kilmarnock, Derek McInnes is assured his staff will quickly transfer away from the foot of the desk. After a busy begin to the season which included European qualifiers – solely home duties now lie forward.
Bruce Anderson was one among simply 5 summer time additions however his objective in that Hibs draw may kickstart his season, and that of the Ayrshire membership.
McInnes is just too skilled to panic at their begin however followers will likely be eager that first win after they go to St Mirren after the worldwide break.
Motherwell momentum sees Saints battle
The texture-good issue at Fir Park continues as Motherwell made it three wins on the bounce.
Stuart Kettlewell – who signed a brand new deal forward of their victory at St Johnstone – insists the 94th-minute profitable objective proves their togetherness and who may argue with that.
Good outcomes, plus spectacular performances from the likes of Paul McGinn, Stephen O’Donnell and co all comes amid an harm nightmare. At one level eight first-team gamers have been out and as extra of these faces return – may Motherwell be trying even greater than the fifth place they discover themselves in now?
As for St Johnstone, some followers have been questioning if Craig Levein is the appropriate man to take them ahead.
His triple substitution within the second-half impressed led to the equaliser however defensive frailties at set items proceed to value his aspect.
The Perth membership might make a transfer for extra additions from the free agent pool and know a constructive end result at struggling Hibs is essential as soon as they return to motion following the break.
Dundee delight as Buddies look forward
Tony Docherty’s aspect proved they may survive with out captain Luke McCowan, after his deadline day transfer to Celtic.
Dundee at the moment are unbeaten in 9 video games throughout all competitions and have one other star man in Lyall Cameron to guide their push up the desk.
The 21-year-old arrange the hosts’ second within the draw with St Mirren and with the likes of Leicester Metropolis loanee Sammy Baybrooke and QPR loanee Ziyad Larkeche impressing – the longer term seems to be vibrant for the Dee.
As for St Mirren – some would possibly suppose a run of six video games with no win will likely be a priority. Whereas there will likely be disappointment that they twice threw away a lead – boss Stephen Robinson will take positives from the draw.
Mikael Mandron and Toyosi Olusanya appear to be they’re going to be key to the Buddies’ as they bid to push into the top-six and with video games towards struggling Kilmarnock and Hearts to return after the worldwide break – the Paisley aspect might be trying up very quickly.