Contrasting fortunes in the capital & Dons dream of title

With five winners, five losers and honours even between the top two, Scottish Premiership supporters have had their say on the weekend action.

Hearts supporters are celebrating their first top-flight win of the season after new head coach Neil Critchley started his tenure with a 4-0 home victory over St Mirren. Fans were mostly impressed, but captain Lawrence Shankland drew some critics...

Bobster: That was much better. A great team performance with no-one having a poor game. We are pressing high and creating attacks while defending well. We still made some poor decisions in the final third, so 4-0 flattered St Mirren in the end. Regardless of the result, the football was much better to watch than it has been in recent weeks.

Ronnie: At last a team game where everyone knew their positions and what they had been tasked to carry out. I feel that the team clicked and had a game plan that actually worked. Shankland still looks disinterested, but maybe if we continue in this vain and head up the table, he will see that everything isn’t just blue. Good start.

Sandy: A wonderful win for Hearts, who were under a lot of pressure and playing with a new manager. Despite recent poor form, it was great to see another full house at Tynecastle. As a fan, it was very enjoyable and I don't think Gordon had a save to make!

Finn: I thought we looked so calm and composed on the ball, even when St Mirren were pressing us. Blair Spittal was the man of the match for me. He looked so eager and hungry to win the ball back, but nevertheless can't fault any of the players for anything at all. Great performance.

Kevin: What a difference. All goals great, team looked well played out. We looked dangerous all game. Spittal outstanding, although whole team played well. Win next week and that gives the new manager a bit of breathing space to settle in. Overall, I am a happy Jambo.

Chris: I was very lethargic regarding the new manager and I know one game doesn't make a season, but the aggressiveness of wanting to go forward, for the first time in years, was so nice to see. We avoided the easy pass and split the defence superbly. Over the moon Shankland was subbed. He was poor (bar the assist) and he needed that reality check. Onwards.

It was not a great afternoon for the visitors from Paisley...

William: To lose 4-0 to a team sitting bottom of the table must surely ask a lot of questions. It is very depressing that our scoring record is so poor. I can see our matches in the next few weeks being tougher than we expected. Ibrox coming up. The international break it seems didn't benefit the team. Pity I can't say anything positive.

Douglas: That was simply embarrassing from St Mirren. Could have played all night and we wouldn't have scored. No shots on target all afternoon. Played like they were strangers throughout the side. Stephen Robinson's work starts now, but I know he will turn this around.

Craig: Absolutely disgraceful performance against a very poor Hearts side. Robinson is right in one sense - Hearts didn't beat us, we beat ourselves! Too many looking for others to do something.

Anon: Totally unacceptable. No structure, no heart. Schoolboy stuff. Unfortunately it is relegation form.

Alan: Another really poor performance. To be honest, we have been poor all season and need to sort it out very quickly because before we know it we could be bottom of the league. Our keeper is definitely one of our biggest issues. Looks to have very little confidence and the defence look uncomfortable every cross that comes in.

Hibs 'relegation certainties'

At Tannadice, it was a topsy-turvy affair as Dundee United got the better of Hibernian in a five-goal encounter, much to the chagrin of the visiting fans...

Fergis: We are relegation certainties. Not really sure what we work on in training, but we are losing simple goals with schoolboy defending. We looked tighter with Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson at back. Not really sure where we go from here. I fear for us next week against Hearts and hate to say it but really think David Gray is out of his depth here.

Cameron: Horrendous. Pathetic. Woeful. Embarrassing. I've said it all season and been proven right every single week, we have absolutely NO fight in this team. Defence is an absolute shambles and we just cannot see out games when in front. Relegation beckons, even at this stage of the season.

Colin: Summed up our season. Gutless, hopeless and hapless. You can't make excuses any more. We've thrown points away by consistent poor defending and a lack of resilience. You can understand the fans' anger, frustration and disappointment. We shouldn't be where we are and our problems start with poor manager hiring and firing. Who'd want to manage Hibs?

Neil: Players lacking any sort of football brain. Again a stupid tackle when already on a yellow costs us and Joe Newell's the club captain. Whoever thought the keeper was a number one... questions have to be asked.

Alex: An absolute disgrace! The team have no backbone, no resilience, no clue... the defence is shocking and act like rabbits caught in the headlights. Malky Mackay, Gray, Ben Kensell need to head for the exit door. Championship next year beckons.

John: The only way this team will see a clean sheet is if they work in a laundry. No improvement means no points and no points mean relegation.

Meanwhile, United are up to fourth...

Eddie: Absolutely brilliant! Loving the way this team doesn't lie down. It's been a great start to the season and hopefully can get better once we get our full squad back fit. Well done Jim and the boys!

Graham: Two seasons ago, we'd have lost this 3-1. All different now - credit to the determination of the players and the manager for making that the default.

Albert: We absolutely dug in until the final whistle. The boys gave 100%. Special praise must go to the management on this occasion.

Jonny: This is a team with a lot of character. Even without Ross Graham, Ross Docherty, Craig Sibbald and Louis Moult, most if not all of whom are definite starters, I felt confident.

Across the city, and indeed across the road, Dundee had three points in the bag when they arrived back from Motherwell...

Carl: I think Tony Docherty's comments on the game are exactly right. Technically excellent, players sticking to their allotted tasks and the resilience of the second-half display spoke volumes about the team. The support was great too. A very enjoyable day's work.

Gary: The changes to the line-up were welcomed and a pleasant surprise. Thankfully, Docherty gave the team a much-needed shake-up, but they showed up well and got the win and the clean sheet we’d been craving. Hopefully they can keep that going at home next week.

Boab: Absolutely superb result and performance. Wasn't overly confident when I saw the team sheet, but then what do I know. Well done, Tony Doc.

Brian: Solid performance and deserved win. Only concern was going backwards most of second half. Heading the right way.

Jimmy: A win at last, the team played well and did the ugly things to gain the victory. The football doesn't need to be flashy all the time, but the three points are the aim. Well done boys, long may it continue.

A set-back for Motherwell, though...

Liam: Dundee started the better and appeared more up for the game. Easily the better team in the first half. Motherwell made changes in the second half and came into the game. Wingers made a difference. Think Dundee just deserved to edge it.

Andrew: Anybody that thinks we are a top-six side is delusional considering this performance. Total disgrace and unacceptable. Too many times the club get into a strong league position to throw points away at home against average opposition. The manager has to shoulder the blame for his tactics, lack of awareness and team selection.

Anon: Off the pace all day against Dundee. Well looked jaded instead of rejuvenated after the international break. Three or four individuals in particular were making repeated mistakes in terms of ball control and basic passes. Simon Murray up front for Dundee was miles ahead of any Well striker in terms of work and energy. Lyall Cameron in midfield ran the show.

Eddie: Outplayed and out-thought, never won a ball in the air but still continued to play high balls. Dundee defence was solid and a deserved win.

Celtic 'must do better'

All eyes were on Celtic Park on Saturday as the Premiership's top two - only separated by goal difference - did battle and played out a 2-2 draw. Celtic fans highlighted their concerns with a Champions League meeting with Atalanta and a League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen on the horizon...

Peter: Last two league games have been very poor. Play like that midweek in the Champions League and we will be looking at a record no-one wants to see. With the exception of Arne Engels, our recent signings are well below level required. I have said it before but we must consolidate our position in Scotland as a priority. Anything else is a distraction at the moment.

Patrick: This was great for a neutral, not so much for a Celtic fan. A lot of absent performances, to the point that only Liam Scales and Kyogo really showed up, quite disappointing otherwise. Thankfully, we managed to hold on to a point due to a solid first half.

Frank: Lax for 15-20 minutes and that cost us. However, Aberdeen were refreshing in a great game. One of the best I have seen in recent years.

David: Aberdeen's goals were a deja vu of the Borussia Dortmund game: they waltzed past Celtic's midfield and defence without any problems to score. Is the coaching wrong? Why are players standing off so much? Giving the ball away in defensive situations because of the Brendan Rodgers 'we must play out from the back' mentality. Clear the lines first, surely.

Steven: Celtic not clinical enough to kill off plucky Aberdeen. Good management on their part allowed them back into the game to grab a deserved draw. Must do better Brendan and co in the League Cup semi.

For Aberdeen supporters, the Jimmy Thelin revolution continues...

Andrew: Sure Aberdeen rode their luck at times but thoroughly deserved a share of the points. The difference this year I would say is that they can go to the bench and bring on players who can really make the difference. And, of course, Jimmy Thelin, who has them playing with confidence without getting carried away... long may it continue.

Ross: The psychology that Thelin has instilled in this team is the biggest factor; he said before the game it was important to pick up points in these types of games and it shone through in the attitude on show at Celtic Park. The desire was to win, but the determination was not to be beaten!

Dandies: It's great to see a team playing with hunger, passion and energy again. Thelin has worked wonders with the players and the players have reacted. Can we win the league? Why not?

Lindsey: What a game! Tactically, we got it just right. It helps when all the players are positive and raise their level to contend for every ball. Jamie McGrath particularly was spectacular. After being 2-0 down, we kept up the fight. Early substitutions made all the difference and having a bench of quality players is significant to seeing out the game.

Paul: Celtic were the acid test and it ended up pH 7. The real test now is how they play against Dundee United and Rangers. Six points at home against them will be an unarguable statement. On the displays thus far, the gap between the Dons and Old Firm has been narrowed, but they must keep beating the rest. First class Mr Thelin.

Marti: Last season, if 2-0 down after 28 minuties, it would've ended up six or seven, so credit to Jimmy for making the changes at half-time. I'm absolutely loving it.

Jack: We’re going to win the league! Beat everyone and draw with Celtic in rest of the games and it's ours.

'Bigger test' awaits St Johnstone

St Johnstone are still waiting for new manager Simo Valakari to take up the reins, but the players boosted their chances of keeping their place with a solid 3-0 home win over Ross County...

Allan: Dundee will be a bigger test, but what a game to win. Season could look brighter by next Saturday.

Craig: A much more complete performance. Benjamin Kimpioka needs that lifetime contract offered NOW! Worth every penny.

Robin: A routine home win - can't remember the last time we could say that. A team with a plan, a team happy to retain possession and a team not threatened by a County side hampered by ill-discipline was very pleasing. Moving on, Saturday is our biggest game of the season and we need a full 90-minute performance.

Anon: It was more like our St Johnstone that we haven't seen in a long time. They actually worked as a team. Having our two players back from suspension no doubt was a big morale boost to the lads. Drey Wright and Matt Smith were brilliant, as was Jason Holt. And, when Makenzie Kirk came on, he was just his usual self, got right into the nitty gritty and scored. Great player.

County supporters were left with much to ponder...

Graeme: Very disappointing, but Don Cowie and the players know that. Football is played in the mind as much as on the pitch and this game highlights the contrast between battling Celtic at home and facing St Johnstone. The 'they shall not pass' mentality was lost in going toe-to-toe with a stronger side. County will regroup and come back stronger.

Angus: I had optimism going into the game. I have watched County for a long time. I think the performance from the whole squad on the park is the worst I have seen. You could not say that was a team of professional players out there. So disappointed.

Killie 'much better' than 'sloppy' Rangers

Sunday's sole fixture pitched Kilmarnock up against Rangers at Rugby Park and it was the home fans who were celebrating...

Paul: First half, I thought we were the better team. We gave up more possession second half, but I think we were happy to let them have the ball and try to break us down. That is the worst Rangers team I've seen us play in years. We were confident we could take something from the game and it wasn't a shock to take all three points. A well-deserved first home win.

Stephen: At last, a home win, clean sheet and a full 90-minute performance. The back four were composed, the midfield supported our defence and drove forward when winning possession and the front two didn't give the opposition defence a minute's peace. The right subs made at the right time too. Never mind Storm Ashley, Rangers couldn't cope with Storm Marley. Great win.

Robert: Absolutely superb. We were the better side throughout the whole game and it was as comfortable a game against one of the Old Firm we've ever had. Rangers are a very poor side. We were much better than Rangers despite not being at our best.

Anon: A great team performance, but special mention to Robbie Deas. Whenever called upon, he more than steps up and has contributed massively to some of our best defensive performances under Derek McInnes. We are lucky to have him and he deserves to start more often.

Anna: A hard-fought but well-deserved win for the boys. A good solid defence with Deas and Stuart Findlay in the middle. The midfield caused no end of problems for Rangers. I feel David Watson should have started instead of coming on from the bench. As for Watkins, need I say any more?

Derek: As comfortable a win against either half of the Old Firm as I can remember. Absolutely brilliant to see Brad Lyons and Liam Donnelly winning the midfield battle with a man disadvantage and, with the exception of Jefte-Armstrong, it felt like Kilmarnock resoundingly won every individual battle. Phenomenal performance and hopefully a sign of things to come.

Rangers fans were far from impressed...

Matt: Lacklustre. Sloppy. No Fight, no spirit, but more worryingly, it's not surprising. Club is in a right mess from top to bottom and the only ones who are hurting are us, the fans. Philippe Clement has a major problem. Fans starting to lose belief and we've been here far too many times.

Anon: Utterly gutless! Rotten from the first minute and no real game plan, empty jerseys - no fight, no passion and sadly no hope! We will be lucky to finish third with that squad.

Ian: Clement said earlier in the season to judge his team in October. This is now October and the team show no signs of improvement. The midfield three and front three are as poor a front six as I have seen for years. We also should have sold James Tavernier in the summer, if not sooner. Recruitment has been terrible for years and there is a long season ahead.

Margaret: Why oh why can we never take advantage when Celtic drop points? It seems as if our bottle goes. So disappointed - we don't seem to have the fight to win.

Alexander: Totally inept and tactically incompetent. No direction from middle of the park, which allowed Kilmarnock to play their own game. Rangers players were easily knocked off the ball and deserved what they got. Nothing. Things need to change and fast.

Ronnie: Arguably our most important league game of the season after Saturday's result at Parkhead. A golden opportunity totally squandered in what was the worst 90 minutes I've seen from a Rangers side against domestic opposition in a long time. No pass marks other than Jack Butland. We looked like a Championship side again. It's beyond forgivable.

Chris: How many real Rangers men are in this team? All this lot are playing for is the money not the jersey. Unless we get a player base of young academy players in the team, we are not going anywhere. Buying injury-prone mercenaries is not a viable strategy.

Roy: First and foremost is the formation. Mr Clement sticks to his 4-2-3-1 and we are struggling to score goals. Up until about seven or eight years ago, Rangers regularly played two up front. Somehow, we need to get back to that, whether that means 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. Currently, we are just not good enough and will struggle to finish third!