FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM SCOTTISH CUP WEEKEND
RANGERS GO FROM ONE EXTREME TO ANOTHER
PERFECTION in Portugal to torment at Tynecastle in a matter of days. Rangers boss Steven Gerrard saw his side shut out Braga convincingly but the same back four and goalkeeper lost their poise in a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Hearts. Subdued going forward and error-strewn in defence, no wonder Gerrard couldn’t explain the dramatic decline in performance.
HEARTS NOW HAVE THE BLUEPRINT FOR SURVIVAL
NO excuses now for Hearts in their fight to stay in the Premiership. The energy and sheer desire shown to pressurise Rangers into mistakes has to be translated to league business. Daniel Stendel’s side showed great character and took their opportunity when it arrived. Time will tell if another trip to Hampden will be a welcome distraction or not from the survival battle.
PATIENT APPROACH PAYS OFF FOR CHRISTIE
AFTER disappointment in Europe, Celtic had to remain patient in Perth to prevail. Ryan Christie (below) showed his importance to Neil Lennon’s side. Suspended for the second leg against Copenhagen, he was influential in attack against St Johnstone. His reward was the brilliantly delivered free-kick which provided the only goal.
KENNEDY THE CREATIVE SPARK FOR ABERDEEN
IT HAS taken him a wee while to settle in but winger Matty Kennedy helped Aberdeen reach the Scottish Cup semifinals. In a stuffy tie in terrible conditions, his pass to set up Lewis Ferguson’s early opener was a decisive touch of class. Derek McInnes’ side were assured in defence in the 2-0 win in Paisley but it’s creativity that wins matches and January signing Kennedy provided it.
GOODWIN IS RIGHT TO REMAIN UPBEAT
A FRUSTRATING Saturday night for St Mirren but boss Jim Goodwin was able to see the positives in defeat to Aberdeen. The Buddies competed well for large spells and had most of the possession but failed to break down the Dons backline. However, Goodwin can point to an upturn in form since the winter break as the focus switches to top-flight survival.