As the Scottish Premiership charges on to the business end of the season every result matters and

tensions are higher than ever. Another week of late drama and dubious refereeing decisions which

seem to pop up on a weekly basis. The title race is well and truly on and is gearing up for a neck and

neck finish to the season whilst the teams languishing down the bottom aim to secure their survival.

Rangers European Hangover Costs Them at Tannadice

After a magnificent result midweek at the Signal Iduna park shocking Borussia Dortmund by winning 4-2 it was a humbling return to league action as the highs of midweek were met with the lows of a draw away to Dundee United.

Rangers now find themselves three points adrift of league leaders Celtic which is a nine point turn around from their position before the winter break. The Ibrox club failed to capitalise on their lead they had going into the winter break and now find themselves chasing their city rivals. Rangers were denied by an on form Benjamin Siegrist between the sticks and a frustrating afternoon was culminated by some poor decision making by on loan man Amad Diallo who missed a vital chance near the end and an incident of thinking he was offside cost his team a chance of winning the game in the dying embers.

Dundee United put in a dogged performance and walked away with their share of the spoils. Although, like most weeks the game was marred with controversy with claims for penalties falling on deaf ears. Rangers felt aggrieved at the decisions but this issue is brought up week after week and highlights just how poor the officiating standard is in Scotland.

Alfredo Morelos was left frustrated in Dundee

Celtic Increase Their Lead at the Top

Celtic cemented their place at the top of the table, extending their lead to three points over rivals Rangers who slipped up prior to Celtic’s kick off. Celtic in previous times have failed to seize opportunities to extend their lead or gain points on their rivals. However, Celtic have been able to take their chances as of late and now find themselves sitting top with a three-point cushion.

Celtic emerged 3-2 winners over Dundee on Sunday after a shaky defensive performance which saw Dundee score with their only real chances in the game. Defending from set pieces continues to be a thorn in the side of Celtic with both goals coming from them. Celtic striker Giorgos Gioukamakis has come under fire during his time at Celtic with many writing him off far too early and the Greek striker silenced critics yesterday with a hat trick which saw Celtic win the game in dramatic fashion.

The late winner has further shown critics of the team that they are able to grind out results and push right until the end of games. Dundee fought hard for a result under the leadership of new boss mark McGhee who has been brought in in an attempt to save the club from relegation. Despite not getting any points from their trip to Parkhead, the performance is something they can take solace in and have belief they can fight to remain in the league.

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St.Johnstone Secure Much Needed Win over Hearts

The Saints have suffered a nightmare season with the club finding themselves in a dogfight to stay in the division. This has come immediately after the best season in the club’s history in which they achieved the cup double under Callum Davidson. Although, the now club legend has come under fire in recent weeks with a poor run of form leading to speculation around his future.

Football is a fickle business and past victories are soon forgotten, so it was no surprise to see the unrest surrounding his position at the club. Though there has been a huge drop off since last season this weekend’s win over Hearts has provided some much-needed breathing room for the Perth outfit. The result has saw them move from bottom spot despite Dundee having a game in hand over them. Although, with a tough run of games on the horizon including trips to Ibrox and Easter Road, the Saints will have to dig deep to try and claw themselves out of the relegation spots.

The result was a poor one for Hearts which has capped off a string of defeats in the Premiership but the Gorgie side still find themselves a comfortable nine points clear of city rivals Hibs.

SPFL Week 27 Round up