Scottish Premiership: Three things we learned as the Michael Beale era begins
With the Qatar World Cup reaching its conclusion, the Scottish Premiership returned for what looks to be a thrilling second half of the season.
Here are three things we learned from the weekend fixtures:
Michael Beale starts Gers‘ tenure with three points
RANGERS 3-2 HIBERNIAN
Michael Beale managed to secure all three points in his first match as Rangers boss after his side defeated Hibs on Thursday night. Beale was welcomed to the pitch by the roaring Rangers support as they got their first taste of their team under new management.
However, it wasn’t the start Beale was hoping for. The Hibees went a goal up in the eighth minute after Ryan Porteous was left unmarked in the box and headed the ball past Allan McGregor. Despite, Fashion Sakala finding an equaliser seven minutes later, the visitors were back in front instantly as Kevin Nisbet scored on his return from injury.
The boos were circling Ibrox at halftime and Beale needed a new plan, which turned in his favour after the break. From a corner, Ryan Jack got on the end of Connor Goldson’s header and Alfredo Morelos got his customary goal against Hibs as he slotted in Malik Tillman’s pass.
Rangers will be hoping this victory can spur them on in their challenge to catch Celtic, whereas for Hibs it is another chance squandered after going ahead not once, but twice in this match. The Hibees return to Easter Road as they face Livingston on Christmas Eve while Rangers face a trip up north to Pittodrie on Tuesday.
Dominant Celtic snatch win at Pittodrie
ABERDEEN 0-1 CELTIC
A late Callum McGregor wonder strike helped Celtic reclaim their nine-point lead at the top of the table.
It was complete dominance from the Hoops as Aberdeen never once looked like threatening. However, the Dons’ defensive style throughout the match was the only thing keeping Celtic from scoring more.
A sitter from Kyogo Furuhashi and a saved attempt from Liel Abada were the best chances of the match as Celtic were running out of time for a breakthrough. However, in the 87th minute, the Celtic captain got the all-important goal after a backheel from James Forrest allowed him to strik the ball into the bottom corner.
It’s not unusual for Celtic to get a late winner, which they have proven time and time again this season. Meanwhile, it was a disappointing afternoon for Jim Goodwin’s men, who were nowhere near the level to challenge the current champions. Celtic host Livingston on Wednesday night and Aberdeen will be at home once again as they face Rangers on Tuesday.
Shankland double helps Hearts to victory
HEARTS 3-1 KILMARNOCK
It was a comfortable performance from the Jambos as they breezed past Kilmarnock at Tynecastle.
The standout player from the match was Lawrence Shankland whose brace helped Hearts climb to fourth in the table. His double also made him the joint top scorer in the league, alongside Rangers’ Antonio Colak and Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski.
Josh Ginnelly volleyed in the first goal of the match after poor defending from the visitors. Hearts second came from a free kick as Shankland headed home Robert Snodgrass’ cross.
Derek McInnes’ men managed to get back in the game as Ash Taylor side-footed a free-kick past Craig Gordon, which would give much-needed confidence to a side struggling at the bottom end of the table.
However, referee Willie Collum pointed to the spot due to the ball bouncing off the arm of defender Joe Wright as Shankland struck the ball down the middle to seal the three points.
Hearts will be looking to continue this form when they host bottom-of-the-league Dundee United on Christmas Eve while Kilmarnock travel to Fir Park on Friday night, hoping to turn their performances around.
Results:
ROSS COUNTY 1-2 ST. JOHNSTONE
LIVINGSTON P-P DUNDEE UNITED
MOTHERWELL P-P ST. MIRREN