FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM THE SPFL THIS WEEKEND

MISFIRE OR HEARTS’ SYSTEM AT PITTODRIE

HEARTS are without a win in four and their unbeaten league start came to an end as Aberdeen found gaps in the 3-4-3 formation. The Dons came from behind and prevailed 2-1 by pressing high in wide areas and stretching the visitors’ back three. Ryan Hedges and Marley Watkins, who netted, got joy on both flanks thanks to Hearts’ narrow attacking system.

OMEONGA ADDS POISE TO RESOLUTE LIVI

LIVINGSTON survived stoppagetime scares at Parkhead but for 90 minutes David Martindale’s side produced a defensive masterclass to thwart free-scoring Celtic in a 0-0 draw. Team spirit is a key characteristic of Livi but the addition of Stephane Omeonga in midfield offered the visitors composure in their defensive shape. The ex-Hibs man was never caught out of position.

RADICAL MOVES PAY OFF FOR McPAKE

DROPPING Leigh Griffiths and Jason Cummings paid off for Dundee boss James McPake (pictured) in the 1-0 win at St Mirren. The strikers toiled in the 5-0 midweek defeat to Ross County. A 4-2-3-1 with Cillian Sheridan in the striking role worked wonders.

UNITED LEFT TO CURSE RARE DEFENSIVE LAPSE

IT’S not like Dundee United to give away cheap goals. Thomas Courts’ side have conceded just eight in 12 Premiership matches. But they were left to rue a rare mistake in the 1-0 loss to St Johnstone at Tannadice. Jeando Fuchs lost possession in his own half and was punished. Courts’ men have won 1-0 on four occasions in the top flight and this felt like the Saints giving United a taste of their own medicine.

KILLIE NOW CASHING IN ON CONSISTENCY

A WEEK that started with Kilmarnock two points behind in the Championship title race has ended with the Ayrshire side top by the same margin. They beat rivals Ayr United in midweek and followed that with a 4-0 win over Queen of the South. With just one loss in eight games, Killie may sense a chance to open a gap in the title race.