FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM THE SPFL THIS WEEKEND
McGREGOR MAKES IT LOOK EFFORTLESS
REO Hatate and Callum McGregor stamped their class and authority all over the 4-0 win over Aberdeen, the Japanese scoring twice after his skipper broke the deadlock. While Hatate provides more flair, his Scottish team-mate is the perfect accompaniment in midfield, setting the tempo and breaking up play. The skipper made things look effortless as Celtic ran over the Dons.
RASKIN WRESTLES CONTROL FOR RANGERS
MICHAEL Beale has an injury crisis in midfield ahead of the League Cup final, so he will be thankful that Nicolas Raskin’s addition already looks like a shrewd one. He has provided some aggression in the engine room, as was witnessed in the 3-0 victory at Livingston on Saturday, and that will be crucial if the Ibrox side are to beat Celtic to the first silverware of the season at Hampden on Sunday.
BUDDIES HAVE A POTENT COMBINATION
A LITTLE and large pairing is often a popular method when managers are looking to find the right strike partnership. St Mirren may just have found one in Curtis Main and Tony Watt (pictured) that can help them seal a top-six finish. Neither Watt nor Main scored in the 1-0 win over Ross County but both caused the Staggies plenty of problems and they linked up well.
REFRESHED HIBS HIT NEW HEIGHTS
AFTER two 3-0 thrashings in the league and Scottish Cup against Hearts, few would have predicted Hibs would be in fourth spot and within striking distance of their city rivals. Now only five points behind the Gorgie club, a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock made it six Premiership games unbeaten. Forthcoming games against Livingston, Celtic and Rangers will tell us if they can challenge for third.
BUTCHER A CUT ABOVE FOR STEELMEN
STUART Kettlewell has got the dream response from Motherwell as they backed up a midweek win over St Mirren with a 2-0 success over Hearts. Calum Butcher impressed in the backline as the home side kept Lawrence Shankland and Co at bay. If they continue taking their chances and defending with a high level of desire, safety should be within sight.