FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM THE SPFL THIS WEEKEND

ARFIELD CAMEO SHOWS THE DEPTH AT IBROX

FOUR injuries in one game will be a cause for concern in the eyes of Steven Gerrard but Scott Arfield showed he still has plenty to offer when climbing off the bench. The midfielder set up the third goal and scored the fourth in a convincing 4-0 win over Dundee United and highlighted the depth Rangers have at their disposal.

BARKAS FINALLY PULLS OUT THE STOPS

DON’T let the 5-0 scoreline at Dingwall completely fool you. Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas had to make a few sharp saves against Ross County, who also hit the woodwork twice. The Greek stopper had his best game between the sticks for Neil Lennon’s side, but will have to command his box better as he settles in at the club.

NEWELL THE JEWEL IN CROWNING DISPLAY

THE three goals Hibs scored in Paisley all arrived from the right side of attack and Joe Newell was at the heart of everything positive for the visitors. He scored the second goal and whipped in a delightful deep cross for the killer third in the 3-0 victory at St Mirren. Newell (pictured) has plenty to offer for Hibs.

WATKINS IS AN ABLE DEPUTY FOR DONS

WITH Sam Cosgrove out injured, on-loan Marley Watkins has proved he’s more than capable of filling the void at Aberdeen. The Welshman may not be as prolific as Cosgrove but his link-up play in the 1-0 success over Kilmarnock was exquisite. The Dons look dangerous in the wide areas and Watkins holds the key in bringing the best out of them.

EARLY SIGNS OF A SURVIVAL SCRAMBLE

THREE points separate fifth and 12th in the Premiership table. Fourth placed Aberdeen, who have two games in hand, are four points clear of Ross County in fifth. Most clubs have played just six or seven games but there already looks like a top-four, bottom-eight split. That could spark an almighty battle royale to avoid relegation.