Another exciting weekend in the Scottish Premiership has passed us by and as always it was littered with action packed games and plenty of talking points. Changes in management and a tight title race continuing to rage on throughout the packed festive fixture list.

Rangers run Rampant in the Capital to extend Gio’s Unbeaten run

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has overseen six matches as Rangers manager and has maintained an unbeaten record since taking the Ibrox top job. Rangers have seen a resurgence under the Dutchman since the departure of Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa last month. Rangers faced Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday in what looked to be Rangers' toughest test under their new manager against a Hearts side who have persisted to keep up with the big two thus far. Hearts flew out the gates initially and looked like they would pose a major threat to Rangers recent unbeaten run but this was quickly hampered by a ninth minute strike from Alfredo Morelos who is renowned for scoring against Hearts. Any hopes of a fight back from Hearts was extinguished when Joe Aribo followed up with a tidy finish four minutes later to sink Hearts and inevitably put the game out of sight. The tie persisted to be a feisty one with 11 yellow cards shown with Josh Ginnelly receiving his marching orders after a confrontation with Borna Barisic whilst already on a yellow. Rangers were able to comfortably see out the game and this result has lay down a marker in the title race as they have seen off one of their toughest opponents with ease.

Alfredo Morelos after scoring vs Hearts in a previous meeting

Hibs Continue to Struggle Despite Jack Ross Sacking

News broke midweek after Hibs loss away to Livingston that Jack Ross had finally been relieved of his duties after a poor run of results. Many were surprised by the timing of the decision as it came 10 days before Hibs were to face Celtic in the League Cup Final. Though on paper it may not make sense to change manager so close to a huge chance to win some silverware, the Hibs board clearly felt Ross wasn’t the man to lead them out at Hampden on the 19th . The semi final win over Rangers came unexpectedly and perhaps prolonged Ross’ time in charge despite poor form in the league. Speculation over who is next in line for the top job at Easter Road has raged on since the decision was made to sack Jack Ross. Names such as Alex Neil, Neil Lennon and Derek McInnes have found themselves near the top of the bookies odds but club legend David Gray has been entrusted to lead the team for the foreseeable according to the clubs statement. The Hibs fans hope for a new manager lift at the weekend was dampened by a 1-1 draw at St.Mirren park and a late Joe Shaughnessy strike saw David Gray’s men leave with only a share of the spoils.

Injury Riddled Celts Keep Pressure on

Ange Postecoglou’s side has been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks with first team big hitters Jota, Kyogo, Ralston and now James Forrest was the latest to fall victim in the clash with Motherwell on Sunday. The high intensity, pressing, brand of football Postecoglou has brought to Celtic with him demands a lot from the players physically and with the players still adapting to this high energy style it is of no surprise many are succumbing to injuries. December is a packed month for fixtures and Celtic currently do not possess the squad depth to properly handle the congested fixture list. Fixtures come thick and fast and December is a telling month for a team’s ability to seriously mount a title charge. With Celtic four points behind leaders Rangers it is vital that they pick up maximum points before the derby game on January 2nd . Celtic were able to see out a hard fought 1-0 victory over Motherwell on Sunday to continue their excellent run of domestic form and to keep the pressure on the leaders. A well worked set piece that was finished off by Tom Rogic was enough to see off a Motherwell side who came to Celtic Park with a point to prove after some inconsistent form.

SPFL: Weekly Round up