Analysis Corner: Scottish Football gets its mojo back
By Jamie Logan
Sunday's 1-0 win for Celtic at Kilmarnock signalled for some, the end of any potential title challenge to the dominant Premiership holders. Twenty four hours prior to the Sunday afternoon game in Ayrshire, both Rangers and Aberdeen had drawn at home to offer up an opportunity for Celtic to take real control.
Celtic rally to take charge at the top
Much was made earlier in the season of Celtic's form, particularly away from home. Early doors they lost to Hearts, Kilmarnock and dropped points at St. Mirren, they also lost to Hibs and Rangers in a patchy December. The first part of the seasons form has potentially been washed away now, with them holding an eight point advantage at the summit. Realistically though, the 'anyone can take points off anyone' nature of the league proves they must continue winning and not letting standards slip if they are to clinch eight in a row and a third successive title under Brendan Rodgers.
Most of January was dominated by Rangers signing Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis, giving fans encouragement of a real test to the Hoops. Celtic however, quietly went about their business and added loan signings, Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah. Followed late in the window by Jeremy Toljan, all of whom have had a big part to play in the Hoops good form after the break. Steven Gerrard however, is probably yet to see the best of Defoe or Davis. He will still feel behind closed doors that his team can push on in the remainder of the season. The Gers have went to Aberdeen and Hearts and won well, and also defeated Celtic at Ibrox, in one of their best performances in recent years.
Rangers secured Glen Kamara late in the window, and also Jordan Jones on a pre contract agreement from Kilmarnock. Gerrard will still feel there is more to come from his side and don't discount them in the Scottish Cup either.
Rangers finished the year level on points with their Glasgow rivals, although with a game advantage. They showed that day though that they could match Celtic, and have shown massive improvements this season under the ex England Captain. Kilmarnock were right behind both, and have had some disappointing results which has seen them drop off slightly from the top. They will still fancy themselves for a European place though, which would be a remarkable achievement in the Steve Clarke era.
Both Celtic and Rangers have beaten each other and dropped points to Kilmarnock, Motherwell and Hibs. Celtic have dropped points against St. Mirren and Rangers drew with Dundee in December. Again illustrating how tough it can be from game to game. They have both to play each other at Celtic Park and Ibrox respectively, and also face games against the other top six teams. Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts will all hope to have a say in who wins the Premiership title.
Scotland's top flight getting it's mojo back
What many Scottish football fans are seeing this season, is a real fiercely competitive league. This is exciting for many given how much stick and negativity has been directed towards the game in Scotland for a few years. The addition of coaches like Steve Clarke and Steven Gerrard to go up against Brendan Rodgers, Derek McInnes and Craig Levein has seen a real unpredictability in the top league we haven't seen for many years. We have Rodgers, who coached Gerrard, who was also coached by Steve Clarke, who worked with Rodgers at Chelsea. A very fascinating backdrop. Throw into the mix Derek McInnes who has done a remarkable job in reviving one of the giants of Scottish Football, Aberdeen. A cup win in 2014 has been followed by other cup final appearances and European adventures almost every season, while rebuilding his squad on occasion and having to replace key players. His work at Pittodrie seems to go unnoticed by some.
Throw into the mix Tommy Wright who after one disappointing campaign last year, has kept St. Johnstone again competitive and looking good for a top six spot. Stephen Robinson at Motherwell guided them to two major cup finals last season, had a dip in form this season and reverted from his favoured 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 shape and threw in some of the clubs youngsters. The Steelmen have now won six in six and sit seventh.
Neil Lennon was a big character in the league, and had his Hibs team flying on their return to the top flight, finishing fourth in 2017/18. The losses of John McGinn, Dylan McGeouch and Scott Allan however proved tough for the Hibees. Lennon has been replaced by Englishman Paul Heckingbottom who comes with a strong reputation, even after an ill timed stint at Leeds United. Outside of the so called bigger clubs we have seen some big results for Dundee under Jim McIntyre, and a fairy-tale first half of the season for Livingston and Gary Holt. Their start is sure to be enough to keep them in the league after some disappointing results after the winter break.
Dundee United are another of Scotland's big clubs who have dropped out of the top flight in recent years, however under Robbie Neilson and after a busy January window we could potentially see them returning to the league again. Although don't rule out Ayr or Ross County in an equally as competitive Championship season