This is the most incredible Scottish Premiership title race in recent memory, with big moments and big decisions to ensure none of the challengers fail over the weekend.
Martin O’Neill’s recent return to Celtic saw a major turnaround in fortunes with a 4-0 win against Dundee United.
League leaders Hearts responded by beating Dundee 1-0 at Dens Park despite playing more than half the game with 10 men.
Rangers then beat Aberdeen for the second time in five days, keeping them at the top of the table.
The Jambos are at the top of the table with 47 points, three points ahead of Rangers and a further three behind Celtic. The resurgent Rangers played more games than their two title rivals.
Great save from Gordon
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Hearts stand-in goalkeeper Craig Gordon makes ‘world-class’ game-winning save against Dundee
There were plenty of big moments in the latest game, but Craig Gordon’s return to Hearts and incredible stoppage-time save topped many of them.
The 43-year-old made his first appearance for the Jambos this season after Alex Schwolo was sent off with Hearts leading 1-0.
Alexander Schworo receives a red card for knocking down Toni Yogane
Late in stoppage time, Dundee looked almost certain to equalize through Emile Acquah’s header.
Gordon had other ideas and, against years of effort, changed direction and managed to grab the ball out of danger.
He described it as “one of the best saves” he had ever made, but former Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley told Sky Sports it could be a big moment in the title race.
Hearts were second best at times against Dundee, but found a way to win.
Hearts’ Claudio Braga (right) scores the only goal at Dens Park
Sky Sports’ Chris Sutton added: “That’s a left hand. It’s unbelievable that he has that agility at 43 years old.”
“After losing the derby game, it was about how we reacted.
“Derek (McInnes) won’t care if we win twice 1-0. We just need to keep winning and keep the pressure on Rangers and Celtic.”
O’Neill’s triumphant return
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United
Celtic have picked up where they left off under manager Martin O’Neill, but the question again arises as to why they replaced him with Wilfried Nancy after a disastrous eight games.
The veteran manager, who will remain in charge until the end of the season, has reinstated Celtic’s long-standing 4-3-3 formation and transformed the team, which had struggled under the French manager.
“They definitely wiped the floor with Dundee United,” Sutton added.
“Like many players, Arne Engels, who plays the number eight role, seems to have confidence in coach Martin.
“The goals flowed and the team had a good balance.”
Arne Engels doubles Celtic’s lead against Dundee United
However, that was just one win, with O’Neill himself warning the board that they could fail to defend their title if they fail to add to their squad this month.
“We’re hoping we can get some participants,” he told Sky Sports News.
“But just when you think something might happen, things change.
“We obviously need to do that to help the players as well. There’s not going to be any rest. If we get injured to some really important players here, we could be in serious trouble.”
Martin O’Neill will remain interim manager at Celtic until the end of the season
They currently have a series of difficult matches at home.
First up is Wednesday’s game against Falkirk, followed by Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash with Auchinleck-Talbot for Bologna, and not forgetting the trip to leaders Hearts, which will be broadcast live on Sky.
It’s been a tough month, but many, including Sutton, are backing “Magic Martin” to make this situation right.
5th consecutive time for roll
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Rangers
Since Danny Rolle took over as manager in October, Rangers have had the most wins, points and goals of any team in the top flight.
He reinvigorated a depleted team and a broken fan base, and pulled the Ibrox team back into the title race that many had already declared over.
And set-pieces are the key to the German’s success.
Thero Asgaard’s goal at Pittodrie was his 11th goal from a corner kick this season, after scoring directly from a corner kick against Aberdeen last Thursday.
Emmanuel Fernandes’ free-kick canceled out the goal and James Tavernier scored from the penalty spot to make it 2-0.
Rangers took the lead with Thero Asgaard scoring directly from a corner kick.
“That (set-piece) could always be the first goal,” Rohr told Sky Sports after the 2-0 win.
“The basics are the spirit of a clean sheet and we have to stick to it until the end. If we do this and do the basics right, we deserve to win.”
Rangers have now won five games in a row since losing to Hearts.
Sky Sports’ Chris Boyd said: “The start of the season was so bad that it’s incredible to come here and pull Rangers back into the title race. But we’ve got to try.”
“They have to believe. You would imagine that two or three more players will come in, but you never know!”
