FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM THE SPFL THIS WEEKEND GOAL DROUGHT A WORRY FOR STENDEL

RESOLUTE RANGERS BOUNCE BACK

AFTER a week of Betfred Cup final agony and enduring a nervy finish to seal a last-32 Europa League place, Rangers held firm at Fir Park. Motherwell had fleeting moments in attack but the visiting rearguard remained switched on. Even with a man less than the hosts for the final 20 minutes, the Ibrox backline was not troubled in their convincing 2-0 victory.

ABERDEEN START TO CLICK AT PITTODRIE

ABERDEEN have only lost one of their last eight matches and Sam Cosgrove keeps making the difference. The Dons striker scored the winner in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Hamilton and the home form of Derek McInnes’ side catches the eye. Aberdeen have been beaten just once in their nine home Premiership games this season and that record could help them win the tight battle for third.

A LOSING start for new Hearts boss Daniel Stendel (below) and the German has a lot of issues to address to spark a revival at Tynecastle. But the 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone was the fourth time in their last five matches that Hearts have failed to score. There is a lack of firepower in the Gorgie ranks.

COUNTY SHOW SOME DEFENSIVE SPIRIT

ROSS COUNTY’S 1-0 win over Kilmarnock was their first clean sheet since a 0-0 draw against the same team at Rugby Park in September. The Staggies have conceded 35 goals and have the worst defensive record in the league but Saturday’s display was much more assured across the backline. The Highlanders will be heartened by an improved defensive effort.

UNITED KEEP ON PLOUGHING FORWARD

EIGHT wins in a row and a 13-point gap to protect at the top of the Championship. Dundee United are not missing a beat this season. Robbie Neilson’s side ground out a 1-0 success at Gayfield against Arbroath. A home double-header against Ayr United and city rivals Dundee before the year ends offers them a chance to really turn the screw in the title race.