Hearts’ unbeaten Premiership start ended at Aberdeen, while Celtic snatched a stoppage-time winner that cut Hearts’ lead at the top. Rangers remain on a run of wins under Danny Röhl after a controversial late victory over Livingston, and sit just behind Hibernian on goal difference following another strong showing from David Gray’s side.
Hearts have won once in four across all competitions as they await an update on captain and top scorer Lawrence Shankland’s injury.
There was no panic from head coach Derek McInnes after the defeat at Pittodrie. McInnes said the squad would learn from the loss and that he was confident of the team’s quality, work ethic and motivation. Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd noted Hearts “weren’t bad in the game” but conceded that one win in four is “a slight concern,” adding that key players Alex Kyziridis and Claudio Braga didn’t create much and the team lacked cutting edge in front of goal.
Hearts face Motherwell and Kilmarnock before a trip to Celtic Park on December 7, live on Sky.
Celtic struggled at St Mirren and managed only two shots on target, but captain Callum McGregor produced a 95th-minute strike to secure a 1-0 win. The result came amid continuing discontent among supporters — chants of “sack the board” followed the abandonment of the club’s AGM the previous day.
Interim manager Martin O’Neill suggested a draw would have been fair, but former Celtic striker Chris Sutton praised McGregor’s leadership and class, arguing the team would suffer without him. Johnny Kenny, who had scored in Celtic’s prior two league games, was substituted at half-time after a difficult outing, and Daizen Maeda struggled against St Mirren defender Alex Gogic.
Celtic’s late win may prove important as the hectic festive period approaches, but questions remain over the team’s consistency and the wider issues at the club off the pitch.
Rangers made it four Premiership wins since Danny Röhl’s appointment, though their 2-1 victory over Livingston was far from convincing and included contentious moments. Röhl selected an unusual centre-back pairing of Emmanuel Fernandez and loanee Nasser Djiga, with Brazilian forward Danilo leading the line. Fernandez headed Rangers ahead with his first goal since joining from Peterborough but was at fault for Livingston’s equaliser and appeared fortunate not to concede a penalty for handball in the box. Mohamed Diomande ultimately tapped in late to settle the match, keeping Rangers fourth in the table, level on points with Hibernian but behind on goal difference.
Hibernian continue to impress and remain a serious factor near the top. Kieron Bowie starred as Hibs beat Dundee 2-0 at Easter Road, keeping them third and five points behind Celtic — although both Celtic and Rangers have a game in hand. Bowie, 23, had been omitted from Steve Clarke’s final World Cup qualifying squad but his recent form strengthens his case for future international consideration.
David Gray’s side travel to Motherwell before hosting Celtic on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, and will look to maintain their push towards the top.
Summary: Hearts’ early momentum has stalled slightly with one win in four and an injury cloud over Lawrence Shankland. Celtic survived at St Mirren thanks to Callum McGregor’s late intervention amid fan unrest. Rangers have picked up wins under Danny Röhl but remain unconvincing at times and benefited from a late goal and controversial moments to edge Livingston. Hibernian continue to build a case as genuine challengers with consistent performances and standout players like Kieron Bowie.