THE HEIDY’S
TOP 12 REPORT CARD CELTIC MOTHERWELL KILMARNOCK RANGERS ABERDEEN LIVINGSTON
WON: 9 DRAWN: 1 LOST: 1 GOALS FOR: 34 GOALS AGAINST: 7 TOP SCORER: Odsonne Edouard: 8 STAR MAN: Ryan Christie The key for Neil Lennon has been to bolster his backline with genuine quality from the addition of Fraser Forster in goal to Christopher Jullien, Hatem Abed Elhamed and even Boli Bolingoli is looking the part.
Celtic have been clinical with a strength in depth that bodes well for the challenges ahead. Their win over Rangers at Ibrox provided both a psychological blow to their rivals and a sign it’s going to be business as usual.
9/10
WON: 6 DRAWN: 1 LOST: 4 GOALS FOR: 18 GOALS AGAINST: 16 TOP SCORER: Liam Donnelly: 5 STAR MAN: Declan Gallagher Stephen Robinson has changed their style but pace on the flanks remains key with Jermaine Hylton and Sherwin Seedorf both hitting the ground running.
Devante Cole has shown he has goals in him and the movement of Chris Long carries a threat. It’s also been a coming of age for Academy players Allan Campbell and James Scott. And the arrival of Declan Gallagher has brought an assurance to the defence.
8/10
WON: 5 DRAWN: 2 LOST: 4 GOALS FOR: 10 GOALS AGAINST: 10 TOP SCORER: Stephen O’Donnell, Gary Dicker, Liam Miller: all 2.
Alan Power Angelo Alessio has got Killie back to doing the basics well. It may not be easy on the eye but it is effective. There are no frills, not many goals but their clean sheet record has been remarkable and that’s the base that can ensure Killie remain safely in the top six.
Adding a cutting edge in the final third is a priority but it’s been professional and steady for a side still striving to hit top gear.
7/10
WON: 9 DRAWN: 1 LOST: 1 GOALS FOR: 33 GOALS AGAINST: 7 TOP SCORER: Alfredo Morelos: 8 STAR MAN: Ryan Jack Steven Gerrard’s management of Morelos has transformed a player, with petulance replaced by a happier hitman whose sole focus is now goals. Jermain Defoe has been a calming influence on his temperamental sidekick.
Steven Davis is in the form of his life and has lifted the level of performance of Ryan Jack. Defensively there are teething problems but eight games in, a marker has been laid that Gers can go the distance.
9/10
WON: 5 DRAWN: 3 LOST: 3 GOALS FOR: 14 GOALS AGAINST: 14 TOP SCORER: Sam Cosgrove: 6 STAR MAN: Sam Cosgrove The importance of the win at Hamilton can’t be overstated as it’s allowed the Dons to get their worst display of the season against Celtic out of their system.
Injuries to key men have offered some mitigation but only a huge improvement in the next quarter will keep the Pittodrie boo boys at bay. Derek McInnes knows where his problems lie but the return of Scott McKenna and Craig Bryson will help.
6/10
WON: 3 4 4 15 15 Stevie Lawless: 4 Lyndon Dykes Gary Holt’s approach is unashamedly basic as they get the ball forward and try to maximise attacking set-piece opportunities. The loss of Declan Gallagher and Craig Halkett hasn’t disrupted a defence that remains resolute. They have energy and commitment all over the pitch. The signing of Lyndon Dykes has added a focal point in attack. They should have enough to ensure they’ll stay in this division. 7/10