- 5 hours ago
Action and reaction to the evening’s five Scottish Premiership matches, including Hearts against Kilmarnock.
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00:30Good evening. What better way to brighten your midweek than an almost full card in the Premiership. Scott Allen and Neil McCann with us this evening. After recent hiccups, how would Hearts fare this evening against Kilmarnock at Tynecastle? Commentary comes from Paul Mitchell.
00:00:55Hearts' comfy cushion at the top of the table has been thinned out and it's left comfortable looking down now with Celtic just two points behind. A home win tonight is pretty much essential for Hearts. Comfort is not something that Kilmarnock have enjoyed of late. They've led in just one of the last seven games.
00:01:14Hearts have failed to score in the last two games. 0-0 last time out against Motherwell. Derek McInnes shuffles his starting 11 with five changes. Kent, Kibori, Borskervink, Forrest and Magnussen start. Kingsley, Halkit, Braga, Spittle and McEntee all onto the bench.
00:01:30Well, Kamarnock arrested a losing run with a home point against Dundee United. Four changes made by Stuart Kerrwell. Jack Thompson and Tyrese John-Dules make their first full starts. They're joined by Greg Kilty and Tom Lowry. There's no Marley Watkins tonight. Watson, Tiffany and Anderson all on the bench.
00:01:48Forrest into the middle. Way by Dees.
00:02:03By the corner, Kibori comes out, beats the goalkeeper by pulling it back and Shankland just needed a little bit more height.
00:02:13Well, this was clever from Landry Kibori, realised he wasn't going to be able to score himself.
00:02:19Well, it's been an interesting fixture over the last few years. Indeed, last season, all four meetings were won. Both teams winning on their home turf.
00:02:27Not going on that of their opponents. Kibori sends out a wide, lovely ball into the middle!
00:02:33And Kibori was stretching, and just stretching too much.
00:02:37And the takers.
00:02:46Because the readers, Kilmarnock have to be careful about showing him inside. Outside is Milne!
00:02:53Milne again with a header.
00:02:54And Kilmarnock will be happy that that will fall into the arms of the goalkeeper.
00:03:02Well, because the readers is such a danger to drop in on that right foot and curl one in.
00:03:08Fooled everybody there.
00:03:10And Milne got the initial block.
00:03:20The way he slips, gets no sympathy from the Hearts crowd.
00:03:25But here come Kilmarnock.
00:03:29John Jules.
00:03:30Lions is calling for it.
00:03:31Kilty continued into the area.
00:03:34He's the target.
00:03:35Kilty with a turn.
00:03:36There's a chance!
00:03:37And a big moment for James Brown.
00:03:42It came in him quick.
00:03:45Well, Greg Kilty started this by winning possession.
00:03:47Got himself to a great position.
00:03:49Turned Kent.
00:03:50Showalow.
00:03:51Got the save.
00:03:52Just couldn't find the right finish.
00:03:55The Hearts haven't scored in the Scottish Premiership since the own goal.
00:03:59Kusarenko have done the United.
00:04:01And his hearts drew one apiece with United that day.
00:04:05Magnussen.
00:04:07It's a lovely touch around the corner.
00:04:08Shanklin!
00:04:11Beautifully done from Hearts.
00:04:14And one little flick allowed the skipper to make the finish.
00:04:18Four minutes into the second half.
00:04:21Hearts up the breakthrough.
00:04:23And they turn, as always, to their captain.
00:04:28Magnussen played it to Kabori.
00:04:30The little flick through.
00:04:32Shanklin between the two defenders.
00:04:33And he lifted that beautifully past.
00:04:37Pull away, mate.
00:04:39He was quick to react.
00:04:41The flick finish.
00:04:43And Lauren Shanklin gets the breakthrough against Kilmarnock.
00:04:47Hearts one.
00:04:48Kilmarnock now.
00:04:50Three straight wins against Kilmarnock.
00:04:52It's their best run in 15 years against the Isher side.
00:04:56Milne.
00:04:57Lovely step over.
00:04:59Ball in for Shanklin.
00:05:00Great block.
00:05:01Robbie Dees.
00:05:03Lauren Shanklin had scored in three straight.
00:05:06Hadn't scored in the last two.
00:05:08Flames the bank of the net for goal number 11 of the season.
00:05:13Harry Milne with a corner.
00:05:15Milne in.
00:05:16Henner, it's off the porch from Magnussen.
00:05:18Oh, the goalkeeper wasn't getting there.
00:05:28All the way, Amy.
00:05:32Kent won it.
00:05:34Brown played it forward.
00:05:36Dakers.
00:05:36Anderson getting involved.
00:05:41This is nice from Kilmarnock.
00:05:42Anderson's calling for it in the middle.
00:05:44In it comes.
00:05:45There's the header off the crossbar.
00:05:48Oh, the substitute was so close.
00:05:50Marcus Dakers.
00:05:52Coltis cross.
00:05:54Cholo was beaten.
00:05:56Kilmarnock denied by the bar.
00:05:58Here's the opportunity for the shots.
00:06:08And if there's one player,
00:06:09Hearts have to be careful of it.
00:06:10It's David Watson.
00:06:12Just came off the back of Dakers.
00:06:17Milne.
00:06:19Braga.
00:06:21Hearts have got four coming forward.
00:06:23Braga still going on his own.
00:06:24Braga with a back heel on to Spital.
00:06:27Deflected from Thompson.
00:06:28Well, as the lane closed down for Braga
00:06:35to get a shot away,
00:06:37Spital, you could see him take that little step
00:06:40and get himself ready.
00:06:43And that was nearly 2-0.
00:06:45Tom Thompson deflecting that over the top
00:06:48and Kilmarnock are still in this.
00:06:52Guzzuridis.
00:06:55Nicely done.
00:06:56Spital will leave that.
00:06:57Braga.
00:06:59Holloway-Erik with the save.
00:07:01Cleo Braga.
00:07:03Between them, Braga and Shanklin have been counted for 42%
00:07:06of Hearts goals this season.
00:07:09Additional time at Tynecastle.
00:07:12There in Watson.
00:07:14Trying to work his long throw magic.
00:07:15Here's the opportunity.
00:07:19Here's the opportunity.
00:07:20Well, it's what they wanted.
00:07:21Tiffany was there with the header.
00:07:23Chauvelin with a save.
00:07:25Well, he gets the love from his teammates and why not?
00:07:32Dakers did really well to flick it on
00:07:35and Tiffany must have thought he'd scored.
00:07:37Finlay gets it away.
00:07:37Thompson back on the inside.
00:07:48Pon織 worth getting involved.
00:07:49Van Derack.
00:07:50By the way, he's going to do it.
00:07:51Going to be behind theentre.
00:07:51Fair enough.
00:07:52Three, nine, four.
00:07:52Getting involved.
00:07:55Dees.
00:07:56Around the corner it goes.
00:07:58That's going to open up for the shot.
00:07:59the goalkeeper spilled it
00:08:01and Bruce Anderson
00:08:03turns it into the net
00:08:05well it looked like for all
00:08:07the world a simple save
00:08:09for the Hearts goalkeeper
00:08:10but he spilled it at killier level
00:08:12oh he just made a fabulous save
00:08:21from Scott Tiffany
00:08:22there's the shot
00:08:29the lines will be drawn
00:08:31somehow he spilled it
00:08:32and Bruce Anderson was right in there
00:08:35it's a goalkeeping error
00:08:39absolutely no doubt about it
00:08:40and Hearts are going to have to hope
00:08:42that the lines will be drawn in their favour
00:08:45but Polworth's shot
00:08:46panied by the goalkeeper
00:08:47and Bruce Anderson
00:08:49turns it home
00:08:50for his fourth of the season
00:08:52well the lines don't really get much closer
00:08:57and that brings it to a close
00:09:03at Tyne Castle
00:09:04and Stuart Carrowell shakes the hand
00:09:08to Derek McInnes
00:09:09on his side
00:09:10have left Tyne Castle with a point
00:09:12that's back to back draws
00:09:14for Kilmarnock
00:09:15but disappointment for Hearts
00:09:18they went ahead through Lawrence Shankland
00:09:20but a goalkeeper error
00:09:21allowed Bruce Anderson
00:09:23to scoop the ball into the back of the net
00:09:25and that's why Tyne Castle has ended
00:09:28Hearts 1
00:09:28Kilmarnock 1
00:09:30you know
00:09:31you're never there until
00:09:33the referee blows the final whistle
00:09:34but
00:09:35you know
00:09:36it's a mistake
00:09:37we're not going to kill people for that
00:09:39it's
00:09:40we should be dealing with
00:09:42the shot
00:09:43it's
00:09:43and
00:09:45we have to
00:09:46to deal with it
00:09:47you know
00:09:48it's unfortunate for us
00:09:49for all the control that we had
00:09:51a lot of the good play
00:09:52a lot of what I wanted for the game was there
00:09:53of course you want to get the second goal
00:09:56as a home team
00:09:57to try and knock the enthusiasm
00:09:58out of the opponent
00:09:59I've been here
00:09:59coming here as an opposition manager
00:10:01and sometimes
00:10:03as long as it's 1-0
00:10:04you still think there might be something for you
00:10:05and we could have done with that second goal
00:10:07but sometimes 1-0 should be enough
00:10:09we feel we can do better for the goal
00:10:11that we concede
00:10:11but understanding
00:10:13they've got great quality
00:10:14at the top end of the pitch
00:10:15and it's a brilliant finish for Shankland
00:10:17but
00:10:17we do
00:10:18we roll the dice
00:10:19and we put a lot of attackers on the pitch
00:10:21to try and get something out of the game
00:10:22and I suppose when you do that
00:10:24you generally believe
00:10:25that you're going to create chances
00:10:26you potentially leave yourself wide open
00:10:28at the other side of it
00:10:29but I thought the players managed it well
00:10:32from 1-0 down
00:10:33and you're looking for that big moment
00:10:35and fortunately Bruce come up trumps for us
00:10:37Points shared
00:10:39four matches without a win
00:10:40now for Hearts and Neil McCann
00:10:42you could hear the noises of disgruntlement
00:10:45at Tyne Castle come the end
00:10:47yeah a bit of booing
00:10:48I think it's probably born from frustration
00:10:50they're probably looking at Comarnock
00:10:51and thinking that Comarnock
00:10:53are not on my brilliant
00:10:54better form themselves
00:10:56getting them at home
00:10:56and thinking once you're 1-0 up
00:10:59and a couple of chances
00:11:00as Derek said there
00:11:01before Comarnock get their equaliser
00:11:02that they should be seeing three points
00:11:04particularly because Celtic
00:11:05are putting a wee bit of pressure on them
00:11:06they've not won since the 1st of November
00:11:07against Dundee
00:11:08so there's a bit of frustration
00:11:10kicking in there
00:11:10but on the whole
00:11:11I can sympathise with Derek
00:11:15in terms of the control they had in the game
00:11:17but on the other side
00:11:18I still think Comarnock were buying at it
00:11:20in terms of in the game
00:11:21shots on target
00:11:23they really did go for it
00:11:24I think they started better
00:11:25in this game as well
00:11:26because we've seen
00:11:27throughout the last few weeks
00:11:28that Comarnock have not been starting the game right
00:11:30but there's a wee bit of a mistake
00:11:32it leads to Shanklin's goal
00:11:33but on the whole
00:11:35I think the frustration might be
00:11:37not only not beating Comarnock
00:11:39but the games that are coming up upon Hearts now
00:11:42they're going to play both Old Firm
00:11:43and they've got that Edinburgh Derby coming up as well
00:11:45so that's maybe just in the minds of the fans
00:11:47is it just a few players
00:11:49off the boil for Hearts
00:11:50for you right now Scott?
00:11:52No I think
00:11:53listen I think you look at the games that they've had
00:11:55Motherwell was always going to be a tough game at the weekend
00:11:56tonight
00:11:57Kelly after getting a point at home
00:11:59to Dundee United at the weekend
00:12:01there was a wee bit of resiliency
00:12:02I think you've seen that tonight
00:12:03as Neil said
00:12:03they fought for everything
00:12:05they created opportunities
00:12:07and Hearts were always going to go through a spell
00:12:09within this season
00:12:10considering how well they started the season
00:12:11games where they maybe not pick up the three points
00:12:14but they're not losing games
00:12:15I think that's the thing for Derek McKinnis
00:12:17games where
00:12:18you look at Mullock weekend
00:12:19could have maybe swung in their favour
00:12:21they managed to come away with a point
00:12:22tonight
00:12:22yes
00:12:23they did have control
00:12:24and they should be coming away with three points
00:12:26but over the course of the season
00:12:27they all add up
00:12:27Expectations suddenly so high
00:12:30at Tyne Castle
00:12:31and expectations always high
00:12:32around Lawrence Shankland
00:12:34what was your analysis of the goal Neil?
00:12:36Backscoring goals again
00:12:36and you can't give them a sniff
00:12:38I'm not sure if where Magnussen's pass
00:12:40is meant for Kabori
00:12:41which I think it is
00:12:42but it finds its way
00:12:43into that little channel there
00:12:45Robbie Dees gets dragged with the ball
00:12:47to Kabori
00:12:47I think Magnussen's a bit strong with the pass
00:12:50but Ethan Brown there
00:12:51just watching with Shankland
00:12:52he's got to make sure
00:12:53that he stays goal side
00:12:55and he doesn't allow Shankland to roll him
00:12:56Shankland's always going to try and sniff out a half chance
00:12:59but once we've spoken about that
00:13:02what about this for a finish?
00:13:03That's a player that has regained
00:13:05his scoring touch again this season
00:13:06I think he's much more happier
00:13:09I think he looks much more like himself
00:13:12and it is a brilliant finish
00:13:13he shouldn't have got the opportunity
00:13:15and that's what I'm talking about Stuart Kettlewell
00:13:17defensive mistakes have really cost him
00:13:19so far this season
00:13:21again young boy going in there
00:13:22maybe just lack of experience
00:13:24on the old head of Shankland
00:13:25just making sure he's going to get his strength across him
00:13:28and it's a wonderful finish
00:13:29They would change things up Kilmarnock
00:13:31they would get the equaliser in this match Scott
00:13:35and it was razor thin the margins here
00:13:39I mean I don't know if I've seen a closer offside call
00:13:42Yeah listen
00:13:43there's no getting away
00:13:45it's really tight
00:13:46but I think you've got to give credit to Kilmarnock
00:13:47at this point they were pushing for an equaliser
00:13:49Paul Wurf have a fantastic strike
00:13:51Bruce Anderson
00:13:52doing what Bruce Anderson does best
00:13:54you've seen it the weekend again
00:13:55he follows in
00:13:56and gets the equaliser
00:13:57but it was very tight
00:13:59I think it's Frankie Kent's back foot
00:14:01yeah he's heel
00:14:02but you've got to give credit
00:14:03as I said the striker
00:14:04on the front foot
00:14:05expecting unexpected
00:14:06follows in
00:14:07Swolov
00:14:07listen for me
00:14:08he's got to do better
00:14:09it was right down the middle at him
00:14:11but Bruce Anderson
00:14:12obviously gets his second goal for him
00:14:14First real mistake from the German keeper
00:14:17He's been brilliant
00:14:17he's been brilliant
00:14:18he's keeping our Scotland goalkeeper out of the team
00:14:20so he's
00:14:22my big Craig
00:14:22he's looking at it thinking
00:14:23I might just get a wee shot here
00:14:24but all joking aside
00:14:26I think Swolov has been brilliant for Hearts
00:14:28he made a couple of terrific saves during the match
00:14:30he'll be disappointed with that one
00:14:32it's the old goalkeeping thing
00:14:33so many times
00:14:34we're looking for keepers to take the ball in
00:14:36and catch it
00:14:37and generally the new thought is
00:14:39it's pushing balls wide
00:14:41just making sure you get big hands on it
00:14:42he's tried to take it in
00:14:43he's paid the price for spilling it
00:14:46Indeed
00:14:47OK
00:14:48after the long goodbye
00:14:49would Martin O'Neill sign off
00:14:51with a 100% domestic record for Celtic
00:14:55in his second stint at the club
00:14:57Dundee the visitors
00:14:58at Celtic Park
00:14:59commentary comes
00:15:00from Alistair Lammond
00:15:01The changing of the guard at Celtic
00:15:05is imminent
00:15:06Martin O'Neill would like his last act
00:15:09to be a fifth successive league victory
00:15:11along for Wilfried Nongsi
00:15:13to live up to
00:15:14but O'Neill has got Celtic firing again
00:15:16bad news for Dundee side
00:15:18looking for back-to-back league victories
00:15:20over tonight's opponents
00:15:21for the first time since 1988
00:15:24O'Neill's final Celtic team
00:15:28is the same as the previous game
00:15:29against Hibbs at the weekend
00:15:30former Dundee man Luke McCowan
00:15:33continues in the wide role
00:15:34in which he excelled earlier in his career
00:15:36Imari Samuels returns to Dundee
00:15:40starting at 11
00:15:41in place of Ryan Astley
00:15:42in defence
00:15:43the only other change from the weekend
00:15:45is a start for Finn Robertson
00:15:47the first appearance for him
00:15:48since coming on
00:15:49in October's win over Celtic
00:15:51he replaces Tony Hogan
00:15:53in the side of the weekend
00:16:06there's Maida
00:16:08this is a good opening for Celtic
00:16:11Maida takes the shot on
00:16:12and McCracken has to get down to point-wide
00:16:15And Saracci bursting a gut to get up in support, McRyder took the shot on.
00:16:31Robertson's ball forwards, Marriott is going to go back to Celtic.
00:16:40Saracci put himself forward and Skeels picks him out.
00:16:44Looks back with Yang and into McGregor, Tati looks for the run of Yangs,
00:16:49a lovely ball and a lovely take and a good save,
00:16:52and there's the rebound from Dyson Maida,
00:16:55who's taken a sore one in the process of scoring the Celtic of the opener.
00:17:02Oh, it's a really bad cut for Dyson Maida, very brave in going for that.
00:17:09I hope Graham's the Dundee player who clashed heads,
00:17:14but it's a move of really high quality.
00:17:18Maida finishes it off, Yang's touch with Subline.
00:17:24Good stop from McCracken, but nothing about the rebound from Maida.
00:17:34Robertson, it's a good-looking ball, Samuels will get there,
00:17:37Wesley, poor touch from Wesley as McGregor gets back to recover.
00:17:43Well, you can see they're bruising around the cheekbone,
00:17:52I think they're willing to give it another shot.
00:17:55Atati, and here's a chance for Siracchi, number two on the cards, no.
00:18:10Samuels is there.
00:18:12McCracken got something on it as well, that's been given away by Danda, Donovan.
00:18:18Yang has his shot blocked by Robertson, and then knocked behind by McEwen.
00:18:26Dundee survived.
00:18:30All opened up for Siracchi, he might have thought he was about to grab his first Celtic goal.
00:18:35Good stop from McCracken, Samuels there to tidy up.
00:18:38First-time ball forward from Danda, Scales, he's not got enough on that!
00:18:47And Simon Murray off the crossbar.
00:18:49Still the danger not entirely clear, it's Congreve deflection, good save, Schmeichel.
00:18:55Well Murray can't believe it, the offside flag is now up.
00:18:59It's a wonderful ball from Danda.
00:19:05And it looks like the flag must have been against Murray as the ball was initially played forward.
00:19:20Interesting out to McEwen.
00:19:23And to Engels, Hatati, McEwen's continued his run.
00:19:27McEwen's shot, McCracken saved, but Mayra couldn't turn on the rebound on this occasion.
00:19:32It's well-engineered by Celtic.
00:19:36McEwen against his former side, McCracken pushes it back into a dangerous area.
00:19:40But fortunately for him, Mayra could only steer it wide.
00:19:45And it's McGregor bringing it forward.
00:19:49Tierney now.
00:19:51Engels in a lot of room, out to Donovan.
00:19:54Back to Engels, little flick, Hatati with the chance, onto the left foot, good save from McCracken,
00:20:04and swept away by Kometeo.
00:20:06Some wonderful skill in there, Hatati denied though by a good stop from McCracken.
00:20:12Touch there from Engels, and then the feint from Hatati.
00:20:18Good goalkeeping.
00:20:26Donovan flashes it across goal, decent round ball.
00:20:30Tenekti keeps it in for Tierney, and then Tatati.
00:20:35Back to Tenekti.
00:20:40Dispossessed though, rather easily.
00:20:44Hamilton fires it forward, and that's one for Hay to chase.
00:20:47He's in behind scales now, he's pretty much on his own.
00:20:50And Schmeichel prevents the equaliser.
00:20:57Absolutely no support here, actually, he had to go for a goal.
00:21:00Uncomfortable enough stop from Schmeichel.
00:21:09One ball in towards the Celtic box from McCracken,
00:21:12won well by scales but picked up by Hamilton.
00:21:15He'll try and chase Schmeichel from distance.
00:21:17It was a really good hit from Hamilton.
00:21:19Unfortunately for him, straight at the Dane.
00:21:22Caught it sweetly, might have taken a nick on its way through, actually.
00:21:30Can't come on track again with the long ball forward.
00:21:33Won by Ralston.
00:21:35Comes out to Jogan.
00:21:39Clips it in, it's a good-looking ball, there's the header from Graham.
00:21:42Well wide, that looked to be the chance.
00:21:45Yes.
00:21:48They've had few better, if any.
00:21:54So you're right to knock it long.
00:21:56Won by Ralston.
00:21:58Picked up by Nugren here.
00:22:00He'll slot it through for Maida.
00:22:02Maida can finish it for Celtic here!
00:22:04Oh, he's so unlucky.
00:22:06Skims the outside of the post.
00:22:09Lovely ball from Benjamin Nugren.
00:22:15It won't matter though, because the full-time whistle is gone.
00:22:18And Martin O'Neill's second era in charge of Celtic finishes with another victory.
00:22:25It's five in a row in the league.
00:22:29Thanks to that man, Dyson Maida and his bravery in scoring.
00:22:35Clutter than doing so.
00:22:38A narrow victory, but ultimately a deserved one.
00:22:41At Celtic Park it finishes.
00:22:43Celtic one, Dundee nil.
00:22:49And Martin O'Neill and his management team, including Sean Maloney,
00:22:54take the acclaim of the Celtic faithful.
00:22:59Certainly not for the first time, or maybe for the last.
00:23:04Can you sum up the last six weeks or so on your return to paradise?
00:23:11These players have been absolutely fantastic.
00:23:15Honestly, thank you.
00:23:21And that's why they are champions.
00:23:24That's the reason.
00:23:26They've been absolutely fantastic.
00:23:28And it's been a privilege to work with them.
00:23:30A real privilege to work with them.
00:23:31And I've had the time of my life here in the last five or six weeks.
00:23:38It was really great, I must admit.
00:23:42Really, really great.
00:23:44Obviously, I was delighted to win the game.
00:23:47Relieved that we'd won it.
00:23:48I thought we could have put the game to bed a lot earlier than that there.
00:23:52We missed some great chances, and then we were sort of nervy,
00:23:55a nervy sort of finish at the end.
00:23:57But we've won, and it keeps the club going.
00:23:59But for me, yeah, it was, you know, to get a reception like that there, what,
00:24:0620-odd years after I've left the football club was pretty special, I must admit.
00:24:10You know, our recent games have been Hibernian Easter Road, Hearts at Tynecastle, Rangers, Celtic, and in between that, St Mern.
00:24:19And it's been a really, really testing run for us.
00:24:22But within that run, the players have shown great resilience and have responded to every setback.
00:24:27And in amongst that, I've seen the growth of the team, I've seen improved performances in the team.
00:24:33I've seen a team that's showing great bravery just now.
00:24:37We came here and we really tried to play.
00:24:38So there's a lot of encouragement, although it's a defeat, in many ways it was a win for us tonight.
00:24:44Martin O'Neill sails off into the sunset.
00:24:49Well, I'm truly having brought the feel-good back to Celtic Park.
00:24:53Scott Allen, is there a case to say Celtic should maybe have just kept him on until the end of the season?
00:24:59Well, listen, for me, he's done a fantastic job, first and foremost, obviously in his second spell.
00:25:04I think, obviously, the new manager, Wilfred Nonsi, has been announced now and he'll start his work tomorrow.
00:25:10But for me, it's looking at the three games coming up, looking at Hearts, Roma, and then the League Cup final.
00:25:16Martin O'Neill has really steadied the ship.
00:25:18He's been the glue in what's quite been a troubling time at Celtic between fans and board.
00:25:22And performances on the pitch just haven't been what I think fans would expect the players they have.
00:25:27But you're starting to see their players now come to life again.
00:25:30How will you sum up this second coming of Martin O'Neill at Celtic?
00:25:33Neil, it's been quite sensational, actually.
00:25:35He's made an impact. He always tries to play things down.
00:25:39He probably didn't expect the phone call to happen, but it did.
00:25:42And I agree with Scott. I think there's an element of risk in this.
00:25:46I'm not saying that Wilfred Nonsi is going to come in here and take time to find his feet.
00:25:51But it's a very big change of culture coming from where he is to come to Glasgow.
00:25:55And particularly where Celtic have got traction and reeled hearts right back in under Martin O'Neill,
00:26:01getting to the Cup final.
00:26:03You've got an old firm Derby coming up as well on top of the games you mentioned, Scott.
00:26:07So it's a big risk. You're taking away a really safe pair of hands there, who's got a vast experience.
00:26:14It's a really big week for Celtic.
00:26:18It's enormous. And Wilfred coming in, actually, I hope he comes in and does well for himself.
00:26:25But there's not a big, massive pedigree of winning things for me.
00:26:31You look at Angi Poster-Clogue when they come in, not a lot of people knew about him.
00:26:33But he was a serial winner. He was an international manager.
00:26:35So, yeah, the jury will be out on him.
00:26:38But Martin O'Neill, I mean, he was a joy to watch sometimes in his press conferences.
00:26:42But it was just pure elation in terms of getting that call and he's done a fine, fine job.
00:26:47We'll look at the Celtic goal in a minute, Scott.
00:26:49But since we're talking about the managerial situation right now, Wilfred Nonsi, how much do you know about him?
00:26:54Obviously, he's coming from MLS.
00:26:56He's not been a manager for, obviously, a much shorter period of time than Martin O'Neill,
00:27:01just the last three or four years.
00:27:03Well, I know of him through, obviously, my friend in football, Johnny Russell,
00:27:07who I came through with at Dundee United, who's been over there now eight or nine years.
00:27:11and came up against him on many occasions.
00:27:14And he said to me he's really excited about being the Celtic manager.
00:27:17He's a really good brand of football.
00:27:19Very energetic, looking to exploit space in behind.
00:27:22And, listen, on the sounds of it, that sounds perfect for Celtic.
00:27:25But the biggest thing for me is environment.
00:27:28I just think it's really difficult to compare MLS environment to what is expected in Glasgow,
00:27:33and especially at a club like Celtic.
00:27:35Dyson Mider certainly knows the environment by now.
00:27:38And he seems to be back to his best, Neil.
00:27:40Very brave for you for his second goal in his many matches.
00:27:44Yeah, very brave because he knows he's going to take one.
00:27:46But what about the vision of Rio Hattati there?
00:27:49First of all, compliment Yang because he makes the mind up of the player
00:27:52that's going to receive the ball, that being Hattati.
00:27:54He takes off into the gap there, and it's brilliant.
00:27:57And it's a really good stop from John McCracken.
00:28:01But Hattati, as you said there, he's going to end up with a nice wee bit of colour on his face tomorrow.
00:28:06But there's the reward.
00:28:08He knows he's going to get clattered, but he's as brave as a lion.
00:28:10And we know that. I mean, there's no surprise there.
00:28:12But the pass, the invention comes from a reinvigorated Rio Hattati for me.
00:28:16Yeah, and he is back to his best, isn't he, Rio Hattati?
00:28:21He's a Japanese international teammate.
00:28:23I mean, for early parts of the season, it seemed like he didn't have his focus.
00:28:27Since Martin O'Neill's come back in, Scott, it's returned.
00:28:30Yeah, well, listen, we're speaking about Martin O'Neill, and Neil's talking about personality.
00:28:35Sometimes it just takes a guy who makes it click for you again.
00:28:38Maybe Martin O'Neill was that guy.
00:28:39But for me, you're now seeing it on the pitch.
00:28:41A real variation in his plays, making their runs into forward areas.
00:28:44It isn't always coming to feet.
00:28:46I think when we associate players like Hattati, you always expect him to come to feet.
00:28:50He's running behind.
00:28:51He's giving opposition different things to think about.
00:28:54But for me, the biggest thing is when you have a player with that ability on the ball,
00:28:57you have to have willing runners, and they're now seeing that with them.
00:29:00Do you know what he does really well, Scott?
00:29:02And you'll appreciate it because you're a player that could find a reverse pass.
00:29:06His identification of when a space develops.
00:29:08Look at this.
00:29:09He sees the space, puts the afterburners on, and he's so unlucky not to get it.
00:29:12But if he sees that space is blocked up, he's so clever to then find a standing space
00:29:18from the edge of the box, and we've seen him score from the edge of the box
00:29:21or just penalty spot area.
00:29:22It's because he's got a real good awareness of when the gap appears,
00:29:26can I drive in there?
00:29:27Or if it shuts, I'll pull off because it means there's an extra defensive body
00:29:31that's going into that area.
00:29:32So, automatically, he's going to find space somewhere else.
00:29:35Dundee deserves credit for staying in this match.
00:29:38Obviously, they beat Celtic earlier on in the season.
00:29:40But you can't help thinking now, Scott, to Sunday's match between Celtic
00:29:45and Hearts at Celtic Park.
00:29:47In fact, incredible that Hearts were eight points ahead of Celtic just a month ago.
00:29:52Now they're level on points.
00:29:53Hearts still on top on goal difference.
00:29:56How do you see Sunday going?
00:29:58It's a huge test.
00:29:59It's a huge test.
00:30:00Listen, there's no getting away from it.
00:30:02Hearts have tailed off to that early performance that we did see at the start of the season,
00:30:07which, as I said, I expected it at some point.
00:30:10But this just might be the game that reinvigorates them.
00:30:12Celtic new manager will be in place.
00:30:15So, we don't quite know what it will set up.
00:30:18You would imagine coming in and, obviously, for the back of the performances
00:30:21that we've seen under Martin Neil, he wouldn't change too much too early,
00:30:24considering what's riding on the game.
00:30:25But, listen, Hearts will believe they can go there and cause an upset.
00:30:28Just briefly, Neil, that does add a huge extra of a spice,
00:30:31the fact that this will be Wilfred Nod's first match.
00:30:34It's massive.
00:30:35I just wonder whether he'll retain maybe a coach there that understands what's been happening
00:30:39and how Hearts have been functioning, because that's so important.
00:30:41If he comes in here and wants to impose his own game plan
00:30:44and suddenly hasn't read the script of what Hearts will offer him,
00:30:48then they could come a cropper.
00:30:51But it's a powder keg fixture.
00:30:53I mean, neck and neck right now on the table.
00:30:54This might be the one that Derek McInnes is looking at for Hearts to bounce back.
00:30:57For Hearts to bounce back to form again.
00:30:59OK.
00:31:00Next to Tanner Dice.
00:31:01How would Dundee United get on against a Rangers side
00:31:03that were held to a draw by Falkirk at Ibrox at the weekend?
00:31:06Commentary comes from Andrew Petrie.
00:31:09Rangers are on a run of 17 away games undefeated.
00:31:14When they came here back in 2021 on an even better run,
00:31:18it ended in defeat.
00:31:20Four United changes from the draw with Kilmarnik.
00:31:23Bert Esseling comes into the back three with Vichko Chauvet.
00:31:26Into midfield, Lucas Stevenson dunted out to the right,
00:31:28Amar Fata and Nikolai Moller are into the attack.
00:31:30Danny Rule makes three changes.
00:31:32Jadon Mekoma, JD Gasama and Danilo return to the starting eleven.
00:31:35Max Ahrens and Tello Asgard are on the bench.
00:31:38However Ant-Man misses out through injury.
00:31:40In the league, Jim Goodwin has failed to beat Rangers in his managerial career.
00:31:52What can his side do today?
00:31:54Sapsford down the right.
00:31:55He's away from Fernandes, can he pick anyone out in the middle?
00:31:58Oh, he picks out the back of the net.
00:32:01A brilliant solo goal from Zach Sapsford.
00:32:06And it's United who hit the front.
00:32:10It's the first time in nine games that they've taken the lead.
00:32:15It's exactly what Jim Goodwin asked for before the game.
00:32:20And it's a piece of brilliance from Sapsford.
00:32:25How's that for a finish?
00:32:26He looks up.
00:32:27He thinks, I'm doing this myself.
00:32:29That's the manager's reaction.
00:32:34Dan Kamara.
00:32:38He's the one, two.
00:32:42Make sure that he keeps the ball as well.
00:32:44Lucas Stevenson crosses in.
00:32:45Muller in front of the defender.
00:32:47And his header glances wide.
00:32:50Rangers on the ropes here.
00:32:52That could have been a quick-fire double for Dundee United.
00:32:55Not a bad chance at all for Muller.
00:32:58Accuracy just off.
00:33:00Well, how do Rangers respond?
00:33:10The ball comes in now.
00:33:12Could come through to Majovski.
00:33:13Brilliant save, Dave Richards.
00:33:17It came to him so quickly,
00:33:19and he somehow gets a hand to that.
00:33:22Well, should Bojan Majovski do a little better here as well?
00:33:26It's a huge chance for Rangers.
00:33:30James Tavernier whips in.
00:33:34Richards punches away.
00:33:35Barron on the volley.
00:33:36Comes back to Meghoma.
00:33:38He fancies a go.
00:33:39Oh, that's brilliant!
00:33:41A first-ever professional goal from Jadon Meghoma.
00:33:47And Rangers are right back in this.
00:33:52Thanks to an absolute rocket from Meghoma.
00:33:56That has flown in from all of 30 yards.
00:34:00An absolute laser beam into the corner.
00:34:05No chance for Richards.
00:34:08In like an arrow off his boot.
00:34:12Nice scan.
00:34:13Forward to Ghasama.
00:34:14Trying to size a Peselink.
00:34:15Manages to pull it back.
00:34:16There's Conor.
00:34:17Baren!
00:34:18Oh, he's whipped it just over.
00:34:20Well, after such a slow and ponderous start, Rangers have finally come out of the blocks.
00:34:40And they're not a million miles from going ahead.
00:34:43Kamara.
00:34:47He's fat up.
00:34:50He runs at the Rangers' back line.
00:34:53He's not closed down.
00:34:54Lots of room.
00:34:55And he just passes that back to Jack Butland.
00:34:58He knows, that's a glorious chance.
00:35:00And all the time in the world here, just a little shimmy away from Giga.
00:35:07So much room.
00:35:11By Ramy.
00:35:12That's a nice pick-out.
00:35:17It's pulled back to By Ramy and blocked at close range.
00:35:21It's Rangers who have started this second half a little more brightly.
00:35:26And here comes By Ramy again.
00:35:29Oh, he goes for goal.
00:35:30Richards punches that out of the sky.
00:35:32He's not dealt with it clearly.
00:35:33Canilo on the volley!
00:35:35It's off the bar.
00:35:37And United somehow get that away.
00:35:40A couple of chances for Rangers there.
00:35:43By Ramy with the squiggler.
00:35:45And then Danilo on the follow-up.
00:35:47I don't know if it would have counted, was there a foul on the keeper?
00:35:52He played on.
00:35:55And almost got himself onto the score sheet and almost got Rangers in front.
00:36:00With that spectacular effort before Yovu cleared.
00:36:04That's a mistake and Rangers could be in behind here.
00:36:09Gasama.
00:36:10He's got plenty of options by Ramy at the back post.
00:36:12Danilo outside.
00:36:13He twists.
00:36:14He turns.
00:36:15He shoots.
00:36:16And Richards saves.
00:36:17Another opportunity for Rangers.
00:36:18Another opportunity for Rangers.
00:36:20They're knocking at the door.
00:36:23The pressure increasing all the time on that United back line,
00:36:26which is looking slightly more frail.
00:36:28Should Gasama have picked out a teammate?
00:36:30He went himself.
00:36:31It was the wrong option.
00:36:33And Brury to Ramy wants to open up immediately.
00:36:38Instead, he keeps the pull back to Rasgum.
00:36:41Who tries to cross Gasama with a touch!
00:36:44It's off the post, comes back to Gasama!
00:36:46Richards saves, Danilo's there!
00:36:47And United clear.
00:36:49How have Rangers not scored there?
00:36:54Gasama stretching a left boot
00:36:57that hits the post on the follow-up.
00:36:59He thought he was in.
00:37:00Richards did enough to deny him.
00:37:02Denayim in the cutback, too strong for Danilo to control.
00:37:07Strain, up to Dolceic.
00:37:10Curls for the back post, Vatas somehow kept that alive, still on!
00:37:14Waters can't get the shot away, Rangers trying to hack this clear.
00:37:18They eventually block behind.
00:37:21It's Max Waters who's only just on the pitch.
00:37:25He had a couple bites at the cherry but never a clear-cut chance.
00:37:29Dolceic might have been offside anyway,
00:37:31even if United can hit the back of the net,
00:37:33it might have been called back.
00:37:35Vatas has done terrifically there to keep it alive, though.
00:37:39Rangers just hacking at the ball.
00:37:42Sloppy defending again.
00:37:44They defend this corner.
00:37:47Drilled towards the back post, headed towards...
00:37:50I think that's Essilink, it's off the line.
00:37:53Back in now.
00:37:55Rangers still unable to clear properly.
00:37:58Amar Fata picks up.
00:38:01Oh, he's away from Majovski, away from another.
00:38:04And again, he gets the shot off!
00:38:07Dundee United ahead again!
00:38:10Rangers rocked!
00:38:12And the roof comes off Tanadise!
00:38:15Amar Fata...
00:38:17Well, he'd had a tricky night up until now.
00:38:23And that's some tricky running at the Rangers defence who stood like statues...
00:38:29...as he drilled it into the bottom corner.
00:38:33And there's the reaction from Goodwin.
00:38:36And there's the reaction from Danny Rule.
00:38:38Ferry with the long throw.
00:38:42Shout-for-hand ball.
00:38:43It's Emmanuel Fernandes in there who gets it clear.
00:38:46Let's have another look.
00:38:48Well, that seems to strike the arm of Emmanuel Fernandes.
00:38:53Don Robertson is the VAR.
00:38:55I don't think he's going to get involved here.
00:38:58Emmanuel Fernandes might have gotten away with one again.
00:39:01And a whip to the front post.
00:39:05It's headed back in.
00:39:07Stevenson's in there, there's the header.
00:39:11Another glorious opportunity for Dundee United.
00:39:18And this time it falls to Youvu.
00:39:21Steals in with the header and just nods wide.
00:39:26Flip round the corner, this is better from Bayrami.
00:39:29He's got the option out to the right-hand side through Ehrens.
00:39:33Crosses to the back post, Mahoma's there.
00:39:34Brilliant save, Dave Richards.
00:39:36He's come up jumps again.
00:39:40He's been a backup for most of his career, Dave Richards,
00:39:42but tonight he's been the hero.
00:39:47Diamande, Rangers running out of time.
00:39:52Bayrami has it.
00:39:53The cross comes in to Germite!
00:39:55And yet again, the £8 million man passes up a golden chance.
00:40:05It's been the tale of his Rangers career so far.
00:40:09Well, that looked harder to miss.
00:40:11Barron launching it long.
00:40:15The whistles from the United crowd.
00:40:17That's just about kept in.
00:40:20The danger not clear.
00:40:22Ehrens goes down.
00:40:25Penalty!
00:40:27David Dickinson points to the spot.
00:40:29And it's Will Ferret, the United captain with the foul.
00:40:36Max Ehrens clutching his shin.
00:40:39We'll see if that ball's been kept alive.
00:40:42There does look to be contact there between Ferret and Ehrens.
00:40:46Richards against Bayrami, James Tavernier already off.
00:40:53That's a brilliant penalty.
00:40:56Rangers rescued by Nadeem Bayrami.
00:41:01A penalty that saves a point.
00:41:04Controversy abounds at Tanadice, but either way the goal stands.
00:41:07The penalty is a cracker.
00:41:09And Rangers head back to Glasgow with a point.
00:41:15Yeah, I mean, look, obviously at this moment in time,
00:41:17it very much feels like a defeat, you know, conceding that equaliser
00:41:23in the 98th minute or whatever it was in the type of circumstances.
00:41:28You know, it's a really sore one for us, you know,
00:41:31given how much the players put into the game.
00:41:33I thought the overall performance was excellent.
00:41:36You know, when I watched the game back later on tonight,
00:41:38you know, I probably think that a draw is probably a fair outcome.
00:41:41Yeah, at first, of course, we are disappointed
00:41:43because it's just one point.
00:41:46I saw a team from my side who put everyone on everything
00:41:50until the end on the pitch.
00:41:51That's the reason why we deserved the minimum of the point.
00:41:54When I see today how many shanks we create,
00:41:57we should win this game.
00:41:59But, and I think this is the part,
00:42:01on the weekend we spoke about
00:42:03we create not so many shanks,
00:42:05but we had a clean sheet today.
00:42:06We had two goals and a lot of shanks.
00:42:09There should be enough to win such a game.
00:42:11And if you can bring this together in the future,
00:42:15a clean sheet and these shanks,
00:42:16then we win games.
00:42:19And from this point, yeah, we are disappointed,
00:42:22but I saw the step forward today for my group.
00:42:25In terms of the penalty, did you think it was a penalty?
00:42:27I can see why it was given.
00:42:29You know, I think the Rangers player probably just about got there
00:42:35a half a second before Will.
00:42:37I don't think there's any intention from Will, obviously.
00:42:40It's more of a coming together than a kick, I would say.
00:42:43But if that incident had happened at the other end of the pitch,
00:42:46I'd be screaming for it myself.
00:42:49So, you know, I've got no issue with the referee coming to that decision in the end.
00:42:54You know, very different situation to the one on Saturday at Rugby Park.
00:43:00Many talking points, let's get straight to them.
00:43:03And that penalty incident right at the end, Scott, let's kick off with that one.
00:43:07The right decision?
00:43:09Yeah, listen, it's one of them.
00:43:11I think Jim Goodwin hits a knee on the head there.
00:43:13If it's the other end, you're screaming for it.
00:43:16I think Will Ferry just doesn't see.
00:43:18Max Herring's coming on the blind side
00:43:20and once you give the referee a decision to point to the spot,
00:43:23it's very hard that it's going to get overturned.
00:43:25And that was the question I was going to ask.
00:43:27Neil, if he doesn't point, do you think they are looking at it?
00:43:30Yeah, well, I'd said that.
00:43:31I think if David Dickinson turns away
00:43:34and GCs are coming together like Jim suggested,
00:43:36I don't think they would overturn it.
00:43:38I don't think there's a massive amount of contact.
00:43:41I've looked at it so many times.
00:43:42Whether he clips his boot or he doesn't, I'm not quite sure.
00:43:45This one's interesting.
00:43:46Jim Goodwin said it would have been nice to get this as a penalty,
00:43:49but he would have been disappointed if one of his defenders
00:43:52had been penalised for that handball.
00:43:54He's been very gracious tonight, isn't he?
00:43:55Indeed, yeah.
00:43:56Listen, I don't think that's a penalty for me.
00:43:58I think they want to get away with against Livingston.
00:44:00100% was a penalty.
00:44:02This one, I think, would have been really unfair.
00:44:04It's coming over Essling.
00:44:06It's just dropping.
00:44:07I don't think there's any intent whatsoever to handle the ball.
00:44:10Yes, it has struck me, I think, around the forearm,
00:44:13elbow area.
00:44:15Totally unintentional.
00:44:17And I genuinely do believe that that was the right decision.
00:44:19Scott, you disagree?
00:44:21Yeah, I just think anywhere else on the pitch
00:44:22you would probably get that.
00:44:23I think you could quite easily see, come the weekend,
00:44:26a similar sort of situation.
00:44:28I could quite easily be given as a penalty, but I think that's,
00:44:30that is the stage we're at at this, at this moment in time.
00:44:33We can't quite, for certain, know which is, which is a handball and which is not.
00:44:37And that's the frustrating thing, I think, for managers.
00:44:40It does feel like there's so much grey area with the handball rule right now.
00:44:43In terms of Rangers defending in this match, Neil, you've got a lot of thoughts on it.
00:44:49Look, see, they're Fernandes in a good position for me.
00:44:53He can't get too tight.
00:44:54There's not a pass in to feet anyway.
00:44:57So, all Stevenson's got is a channel ball.
00:45:01So, protect the channel ball, stay goal-side.
00:45:04And if Sapsford does run, take him out, block him, body him.
00:45:09Then you might receive a yellow card, you might not.
00:45:12But from then on in, there's a concern, obviously, about the pace.
00:45:15Fernandes trying to get back.
00:45:16Xiga doesn't really get across quick enough.
00:45:18Maybe he's worried about the player behind him.
00:45:21And I think probably Jack Butland is sort of a little bit,
00:45:23I'm coming, I stop and I'm out.
00:45:25And by that time, gives Sapsford the chance to make his mind up early and clip him.
00:45:30It's a brilliant finish, by the way.
00:45:32But again, it's all down to a bad decision from Fernandes.
00:45:35Stay behind the ball.
00:45:36This is so many errors.
00:45:38It's a wonderful goal from Amar Fata in the end.
00:45:40Yeah, listen, it is a brilliant goal.
00:45:41But this, Barame, sorry, dipping his toe in,
00:45:47dipping his toe in is not good.
00:45:50Miofsky's challenge is shocking.
00:45:52It's so weak.
00:45:54Raskin's weak in his challenge as well.
00:45:57First and second contact is so many, Scott.
00:45:59Direct from the corner as well.
00:46:00They don't squeeze.
00:46:01And Dundee United just have that desire to get to the ball first.
00:46:04And then ultimately, listen, Fata shows really good composure.
00:46:07That's terrible, that.
00:46:08That's a great ability.
00:46:09But defensively, that is as bad as it gets.
00:46:11Giga's shocking.
00:46:12Now, Jonathan, if you're going to have 30-odd attempts on goal,
00:46:16then what you want to do is show a level of aggression in your defending.
00:46:20You can't say, oh, if we've got a clean sheet, because I know what Danny's saying,
00:46:24but your defenders need to show a bit of steel.
00:46:26Yeah.
00:46:27You can't, without John, John Suter's probably the one defender I would put my hand up and say,
00:46:31he absolutely puts his body in the line.
00:46:33And they need to get more of that, because if you're pushing bodies like Danny Rule did,
00:46:38he went for it, he put loads of forwards on, loads of attacking flair on the pitch,
00:46:43you better make sure that the back door is going to remain slammed shut.
00:46:47And for me, too many times, they're a little bit reactive instead of being proactive.
00:46:51But Neil, defensively there, it's not just one or two players involved,
00:46:54there's five or six players in there losing duels, losing first contacts,
00:46:58and then not just having that desire to go and stop the ball.
00:47:01They need to get a nasty edge to their game, Rangers.
00:47:03At the other end of the pitch as well, as you mentioned, loads of chances for Rangers,
00:47:07but profligate.
00:47:09Yeah, very wasteful.
00:47:10I mean, when you look at this back and Danny Rule, I mean, 32 attempts,
00:47:15I think the keeper should do better with that.
00:47:19I think he can take it in his gloves maybe, but he makes a mess of it.
00:47:22I mean, you can argue there, I mean, it's a decent effort from Danilo,
00:47:27where it's coming over his shoulder and he's very unlucky.
00:47:30It is high, he's getting his leg up, but this chance that we're going to see here,
00:47:36I don't know why Gassama doesn't let that just come through his body and right foot that,
00:47:41just open up his right instep and slide it into the net.
00:47:44He's gone with his left foot.
00:47:45I mean, it's the hardest thing to do.
00:47:47And when it comes back to Danilo, I mean, it's too high, it's bouncing at him,
00:47:51it's been fired at him.
00:47:53This...
00:47:54What a ball.
00:47:55You don't get any better chances in football to say, right,
00:47:58it's the easiest header you could ever wish for.
00:48:01Barami again.
00:48:02Very creative.
00:48:03He's been good actually when he's come into the team.
00:48:05What a ball stop.
00:48:06That is a fantastic ball.
00:48:07Just shapes it and then...
00:48:08I'm sorry, but that's...
00:48:09Sure, I mean, he's coming under a lot of pressure, but that is why.
00:48:12That is, that's the moment.
00:48:13Going to win the game for your team, you have to score it.
00:48:16A ball in doesn't get any better than that.
00:48:19That is perfect.
00:48:20And to not even make the goalkeeper make a save.
00:48:22Listen, there's no getting away from it.
00:48:23There would be a real concern about the quality that Chermit is showing.
00:48:27Five draws in the last eight games for Dundee United.
00:48:30Now Falkirk up against a Motherwell side
00:48:32who started the night third in the table.
00:48:34Commentary comes from Rob McLean.
00:48:38Falkirk's points total into the 20s already
00:48:41in their first top flight season for 15 years.
00:48:44Motherwell fans watching some of the best football
00:48:46they've seen from their team in years.
00:48:49John McGlynn leaves out the Falkirk front four
00:48:52who started at Ibrox on Sunday.
00:48:54Wilson, Williams, Miller and Graham
00:48:56replaced by Aguiman, Yates, Cartwright and Trey Samuel Ogunsui.
00:49:00Three changes for Motherwell after their goalless draw
00:49:03with leaders' hearts on Saturday.
00:49:05Tom Sparrow, Oscar Priestman and Ibram Saeed
00:49:09are all starters for the Steelmen,
00:49:11dropping out Wat Just and Kutrumbus.
00:49:18Alfie Aguiman flicks it down the line,
00:49:21Stephen Welsh is there.
00:49:23Fignettes with the header and Aguiman is in here early on.
00:49:27What a chance that was for Falkirk's number 11.
00:49:31He's dragged it wide of target, scored in the League Cup,
00:49:35hasn't scored in the Premiership this season.
00:49:38Big opportunity.
00:49:40And frustration on the touchline for John McGlynn.
00:49:43Emmanuel Longello with the throw in.
00:49:50Lucas Faddinger chasing it and bustling into Fignettes.
00:49:58Bundling the Falkirk midfielder over and free kick given.
00:50:04Brad Spencer having a great season for Falkirk.
00:50:09And that's some ball for Aguiman.
00:50:12Really well picked out.
00:50:14And that's another opportunity for Alfie Aguiman.
00:50:18Perfect pace on the delivery, good timing on the run.
00:50:24He screws the shot into the side net.
00:50:36This is the Austrian, Faddinger.
00:50:38Callum Slattery, his cross ball in, beyond Hendry.
00:50:42It will be collected by Longello against Conor Allen.
00:50:46And he just cruises past him.
00:50:48And then clips the outside of the post.
00:50:51Well, it was terrific play from the left back.
00:50:56Then it was all about decision-making options in the box.
00:51:01But he tried to score himself here from a really difficult angle.
00:51:06Should have gone for the cutback.
00:51:10Callum Ward, not known for their Route 1 football.
00:51:13This could work out.
00:51:14It flicks off the head of Henderson for Maswanese.
00:51:18Didn't catch the shot.
00:51:20And it's clawed away by Scott Bain.
00:51:23Well, the Premiership's top goalscorer had a chance to net number 13 of the season in all competitions.
00:51:32Longello flying down that left flank again.
00:51:37His cutback for Ibrahim Saeed.
00:51:41Tom Sparrow.
00:51:43Slattery involved.
00:51:45Sparrow gets in behind.
00:51:47There's the cutback.
00:51:48It's come off.
00:51:49Philip Lissa.
00:51:50And he was heading into his own nets before Scott Bain stuck out of the left boot and stopped this going in.
00:52:07Brad Spencer with the free kick.
00:52:08He spotted Callum Ward off his line.
00:52:11And that looked mighty close.
00:52:13Ward has been known to wander off that goal line.
00:52:18He did so there.
00:52:19And it flashes just wide.
00:52:21Goalless it finishes at the Falkirk Stadium.
00:52:28Seven and a half thousand watching.
00:52:30And just the one shot on target in 90 minutes.
00:52:36Falkirk stays sixth.
00:52:37Motherwell stays third.
00:52:38Nil-nil.
00:52:39It was a high intensity game.
00:52:40I know when it's nil-nil it looks like it's 4-1 but I think for me on the touch line it was,
00:52:55the game was on a knife edge the whole game.
00:52:58A little bit of good play here, a little bit of an error there, and there could have been a goal in it.
00:53:04There was not much in it at all.
00:53:07We're pleased to get our third clean sheet in a row.
00:53:10To get three clean sheets in the Premiership is something else.
00:53:13Delighted with that.
00:53:15Falkirk defended really well today.
00:53:18Made it really hard for us to get the control of the game on the final third and run a lot of longer attacks
00:53:24where we could really set up some good situations with a lot of players in the box.
00:53:30We didn't do enough in the first half to create the big moments we needed to score a goal.
00:53:37I think the way we came out in the beginning of the second half was a lot better.
00:53:43Invested more and had our moments.
00:53:46Didn't take them.
00:53:47And then there were a few of them as the game went forward.
00:53:52It felt like a game that promised much in the early stages but delivered no goals in the end, Scott.
00:53:58And John McGlynn talking about how tactically he really wanted to cancel out Motherwall in this match.
00:54:04And you could see that right from the off as far as you were concerned.
00:54:07Yeah.
00:54:08Listen, both teams obviously play a really nice brand of football.
00:54:11But what I seen early on was they didn't start with any natural wingers.
00:54:15They had all central players there.
00:54:17All designed.
00:54:18Listen, Motherwall play through the middle of the park.
00:54:20With their four box in the midfield and then the two up front.
00:54:23And what Falkirk did, they just matched up.
00:54:25They made it really difficult to play through.
00:54:27Motherwall still had most of the possession but they destructed that fluidity that we've seen in recent weeks.
00:54:33And they still caused a threat.
00:54:35That's an Aggie man with a chance there.
00:54:36But Falkirk really, really frustrated at times.
00:54:39What an effort that is from Brad Spencer.
00:54:41What an effort.
00:54:42And this one I really liked because this was the start of the second half.
00:54:44Falkirk obviously locked on.
00:54:46Thinking that Motherwall were going to do their usual build up.
00:54:48Mass Winici comes out wide.
00:54:50Does that run from out to in.
00:54:51A great ball from Ward.
00:54:52And unfortunate not to get a finish.
00:54:55And Leggello for me, listen, he was probably the star player of the match for me.
00:54:58Great athleticism, quality on the ball.
00:55:00Put some great balls in.
00:55:01Unfortunate with that one.
00:55:03But ultimately John McGlynn done a job on Motherwall tonight.
00:55:07Both sides, Neil, have been really entertaining this season.
00:55:12And probably, especially with Falkirk as well, exceeding expectations.
00:55:16Both these sides, do you feel that they can both finish in the top six?
00:55:21I think it's going to be tough.
00:55:23But if you're looking at my old side Falkirk, they've been a breath of fresh air.
00:55:27A lot of boys have not got any experience in the Premiership.
00:55:29And as John says, they're getting clean sheets.
00:55:32Their goal difference is what? Minus two.
00:55:34So there's a balance there.
00:55:35Although they're conceding goals, they're scoring plenty of goals.
00:55:38And that's kept him in the top half of the table.
00:55:41The longer they play, the more confident that team will come.
00:55:44And what I liked in Scott's analysis there, it shows that John McGlynn's ready to change to certain opposition that might overpower him.
00:55:52Because they're a real open side to play fluid football, as Scott pointed out.
00:55:56But he's willing to combat that by changing completely what he wants to do through his best attributes.
00:56:03And he got a point, looking at Motherwall, start of the season, they couldn't buy a win.
00:56:09And everybody's thinking, it's okay playing nice football without the wins.
00:56:12Suddenly, they've gone on a brilliant run.
00:56:14They've only lost two games.
00:56:15And at this stage of the season for Motherwall, playing the brand of football they're doing,
00:56:18it's been a brilliant start to the season for them.
00:56:21Okay.
00:56:22Finally, Aberdeen at home to second bottom St Mirren.
00:56:25Commentary comes from Stuart Mitchell.
00:56:29Aberdeen now have the top six in their sights after back-to-back 1-0 league victories.
00:56:34St Mirren travelled to Pataudry after losing three straight Premiership games
00:56:38and are without a win in their last seven in the league.
00:56:43Four changes to the Aberdeen side that picked up the win over Livingston, Jensen,
00:56:47Polvara, Keskin and the Nisbet All-Star, with Schinney, Helton and Nielsen, Karlsson and Lazavich replaced.
00:56:53Three switched by Steven Robinson after St Mirren's Dundee defeat.
00:56:57Tanzert, Taylor and Ayunga are in the starting eleven, with John McMenamin and Unwundalu dropping out.
00:57:07Aberdeen looking for a sharp start.
00:57:09This is Stuart Armstrong.
00:57:13Driving through it.
00:57:15Jensen.
00:57:17Thinks on which way to go.
00:57:19Polvara.
00:57:23Armstrong with the quick pass.
00:57:25And takes the layoff.
00:57:26Jensen, the cutback.
00:57:28It's Keskinnen.
00:57:29Oh, it rattles the post.
00:57:32The chance still alive.
00:57:34And the header from Alshish is straight at George.
00:57:41This lovely Aberdeen play.
00:57:44Attacking with confidence.
00:57:45And Keskinnen is so, so close.
00:57:51Alshish really should be doing better with this header.
00:57:54The last two meetings between these clubs have ended in a 1-0 win either way.
00:58:03St Mirren looking for the opening goal.
00:58:06It's Taylor caressing.
00:58:08Headed into the sky.
00:58:10Mitov comes and misses.
00:58:13Aberdeen scrambling, Tanzert scores!
00:58:19Well, Scott Tanzert celebrates with the St Mirren supporters.
00:58:22There's the sound of a whistle from the referee, Stephen McClain.
00:58:27And both teams are interested in the referee's opinion.
00:58:31Mitov comes out.
00:58:33And goes beyond the ball.
00:58:35Was there a foul from Tanzert in the process?
00:58:38The VAR are checking.
00:58:41Just watch Scott Tanzert here.
00:58:43Just following in.
00:58:44And the referee, Stephen McClain, rules the goal out.
00:59:01Armstrong.
00:59:05Something always looks to happen when he's on the ball.
00:59:07Lob in.
00:59:08Oh, Nisbet's header.
00:59:10Goes away from the goal.
00:59:13Well, you expect Kevin Nisbet to be doing so much better there.
00:59:17And at least hitting the target.
00:59:19He has space too.
00:59:25Headed on.
00:59:26Mandron.
00:59:27Mandron.
00:59:29With a vicious strike.
00:59:31Mitov makes the save.
00:59:35St Mirren look to recycle the ball.
00:59:37Oh, sheesh.
00:59:38Coming back to defend.
00:59:40The way Mandron took this hit.
00:59:42Was with such power.
00:59:49St Mirren.
00:59:51Ready for the set piece.
00:59:52In it goes.
00:59:54There's claims.
00:59:55But the buddies continue.
00:59:57As that one flies over the crossbar.
01:00:00There's another couple of questions being asked in the aftermath of the referee.
01:00:05Watch number five, Mats Knuster here.
01:00:08Gogic standing on his side, but it's the right side where the arm comes out.
01:00:13There's definite contact with the ball.
01:00:15And the referee will review the play on the monitor.
01:00:18It's a quick look.
01:00:26From Stephen McLean.
01:00:29And the decision is a penalty to St Mirren.
01:00:34As Knuster tries to explain what happened from his point of view.
01:00:41It's Marcus Fraser who steps up.
01:00:44And sends Mitov the wrong way.
01:00:46Well, he didn't score a goal last season, but Marcus Fraser is his first this season.
01:00:56It's from the penalty spot.
01:00:58And it could be a big buddies goal to change their fortunes.
01:01:00But Dean looking for a response.
01:01:09The cut back.
01:01:10The strike is blocked.
01:01:11Oh, sheesh.
01:01:12Oh, he's got to score.
01:01:16Another big chance for the Frenchman.
01:01:18Did he rush it?
01:01:19Did he rush it?
01:01:28Aberdeen putting the pressure on.
01:01:33Knuster.
01:01:35Back out wide.
01:01:37A heavy presence in red in the box.
01:01:38And that one unconvincing from Shemal George and Gogic.
01:01:44That means there is a corner to defend.
01:01:49Armstrong raises the hand.
01:01:51Teased in.
01:01:53It's there for Polvara!
01:01:54It's a laser from Dante Polvara!
01:01:58It's a laser from Dante Polvara.
01:02:01Well, his name has been brought up in terms of a contract extension with the Americans deal up at the end of the season.
01:02:08And that strike will strengthen those conversations.
01:02:12Aberdeen on level terms.
01:02:13Driven with power!
01:02:19Aberdeen with the momentum now.
01:02:28Melbourne hits the byline.
01:02:30They're in defend for now.
01:02:36Aberdeen looking to use all the energy from that equalising goal.
01:02:39Armstrong takes the set piece.
01:02:44Headed away.
01:02:48Desper Carlsen.
01:02:50Looks up.
01:02:51Strikes.
01:02:52Saved.
01:02:53There's Lazatec!
01:02:55A quick look to the assistant.
01:02:57It's two goals in two minutes for Aberdeen.
01:03:05The boss delighted with that one.
01:03:07Yemi Talin applauds.
01:03:10It may not be as stylish as the special late moment in Paisley a couple of months ago for Marko Lazatic.
01:03:16But could that be just as vital in firing Aberdeen to victory?
01:03:21All striking experts will tell you, you've got to follow in that first chance.
01:03:26And Lazatic stays onside as he follows up on the rebound.
01:03:29King fires away.
01:03:46Hooked forward.
01:03:48Aberdeen looking for more of a cushion, that's lovely skill.
01:03:51Nisbet couldn't get the shot away, but retrieves possession.
01:03:58Robin.
01:04:00Clip to the back post.
01:04:01The header across.
01:04:02And Freckleton will get the bounce.
01:04:04And send the ball to safety.
01:04:06Is there a chance here for Jonah Ayunga?
01:04:12Milne is down.
01:04:13Ayunga strikes.
01:04:14And it's in!
01:04:18Jonah Ayunga draws St. Mirren level.
01:04:23Oh, it's just a high ball forward.
01:04:28Devlin and Milne misjudge.
01:04:30And let the ball come through.
01:04:31Then Ayunga opens up all that space.
01:04:34And fires through the legs of Dimitar Mitov.
01:04:38It's his first goal since August.
01:04:41And an important one for St. Mirren.
01:04:44And Jonah Ayunga.
01:04:45He made a lean, hoping his side can edge in front once more.
01:04:58Devlin.
01:05:00Caresses over.
01:05:01Lovely delivery.
01:05:03Carlsen with a neat touch.
01:05:05Aberdeen keep the heat on.
01:05:08Pneuster turns.
01:05:12Armstrong.
01:05:13A slick link-up play again.
01:05:16This is Keskinnen.
01:05:18Forced out wide.
01:05:20Armstrong looks up.
01:05:22Delivers.
01:05:23Lazatic!
01:05:25He's done it again!
01:05:30Armstrong puts in such a dangerous delivery.
01:05:34And St. Mirren will be getting sick at the sight of the Serbian.
01:05:39He has four goals for the Dons now this season.
01:05:41And three have come against the Buddies.
01:05:47No wonder Armstrong's taking in celebrations on that far side.
01:05:51A quality cross.
01:05:53It just needed a touch.
01:05:58Steven Robertson won't be able to believe when he's witnessed his side.
01:06:02Lose from that leading position early on in the second half.
01:06:08Aberdeen looking for back-to-back league wins.
01:06:12The crossover.
01:06:13Headed down.
01:06:14And it's in!
01:06:16What a game!
01:06:18And what a time for Richard King to get his first Premiership goal for St. Mirren.
01:06:22It stuns Pitaudry in the 99th minute.
01:06:31Well, Aberdeen down to ten men.
01:06:34Malloy the substitute.
01:06:35Off injured.
01:06:36And the Dons have used all three of their substitute opportunities.
01:06:40Richard King rises above everyone at the back.
01:06:43What a pulsating second half at Pitaudry.
01:06:45I can't give you my team because I've already said too much on decisions.
01:06:51That's six goals, this load in five games I believe.
01:06:54But the referees do the best that they possibly can with it.
01:06:58He said it was a foul.
01:07:00So Steven's made the decision and we have to go with it.
01:07:02It's a football game.
01:07:03In football sometimes things can happen.
01:07:05That's why we love the sport.
01:07:07But it's just hurtful sometimes when you have the chance to win a game
01:07:10and then you lose in the end.
01:07:11But to be fair to St. Mirren also, they did good things.
01:07:15They had an opportunity.
01:07:17And we're going to learn some things from this game.
01:07:19In the last minute of the game what we can do better.
01:07:23But still, a lot of things were really good today.
01:07:26I think it's a really strange season, as I say.
01:07:27We're in a cup final.
01:07:29So we should be really positive and proud of ourselves for that.
01:07:31You know, St Mirren don't do that very often.
01:07:33But also we've struggled to get the results.
01:07:35And no one's given up.
01:07:36No one's stopped believing.
01:07:37That's the bigger thing for me.
01:07:39And now we have to try and continue that.
01:07:40And then go into the cup final in a real positive mindset.
01:07:44We saved the best game till last this evening.
01:07:47A six goal thriller at Petaudry.
01:07:50Marko Lazatic, Scott.
01:07:51He likes a goal against St Mirren.
01:07:53Three of his Aberdeen goals,
01:07:55three of his four Aberdeen goals have come against St Mirren.
01:07:58And he was sharp today.
01:08:01He was.
01:08:02Listen, he came onto the pitch.
01:08:03Listen, Lisbeth had a few early on in the game.
01:08:06But Lazatic, your job as a striker to come on and impact the game.
01:08:09Listen, it's a wicked strike from Carlsen.
01:08:11But again, as we've seen from a few times tonight,
01:08:14a striker falling in on a mistake from a goalkeeper and tucking it away.
01:08:17So, credit to Lazatic.
01:08:18But looking at Shamil George there, it is a wicked strike from Carlsen.
01:08:23I don't know what Neil thinks there.
01:08:25It moves left to right and dips in front of him.
01:08:27And he just makes sure it's not going through him, Scotty.
01:08:29But yeah, he spells it.
01:08:30And Lazatic, I like him.
01:08:32I like him.
01:08:33There's a lot to like about this boy.
01:08:35Big, powerful, old-school type of striker.
01:08:38And his movement's good.
01:08:39Watch him just...
01:08:40He likes contact.
01:08:41So, he's working his way into the box.
01:08:42Really patient from Aberdeen.
01:08:44Armstrong, what a ball.
01:08:45There's a contact there to Goggins.
01:08:46He got off me.
01:08:47A little dip forward just to take Goggins towards the ball.
01:08:50And then just a little change of direction and a brilliant wee finish.
01:08:53Absolutely.
01:08:54I mean, incredible for the Aberdeen fans to see so many goals actually, Scott.
01:08:59Because it's been stability recently in terms of trying to keep clean sheets and all the rest of it.
01:09:04But tonight, from an offensive point of view, that was what the Dons fans have been looking for.
01:09:09Yeah, it's exactly what they've been looking for.
01:09:11I think stability there being the main thing.
01:09:13I think there was no getting away from it.
01:09:15Performances early on weren't the level I think they would expect.
01:09:18But firstly, you need to build for the foundations.
01:09:20I think they've done that over recent weeks.
01:09:22And tonight, they looked a lot more fluent, especially in attack.
01:09:24That third goal, as we've seen there from Laz.
01:09:26The football before it, it's really good.
01:09:28Yeah.
01:09:29And then the finish, obviously, to go alongside it.
01:09:31At the same time, three goals, three goals.
01:09:33I think they'll be disappointed with us.
01:09:35There's no getting away from it.
01:09:37Mitov for a few, but defensively, there was errors in there as well.
01:09:40Absolutely.
01:09:41I mean, let's talk about Dimitar Mitov this evening, Neil.
01:09:44He's often been a hero for Aberdeen.
01:09:46Tonight wasn't his finest hour.
01:09:48Tough night for him.
01:09:49We Christmas, early Christmas present for him here from Stevie McLean, the referee,
01:09:53because I think this should stand.
01:09:55He totally missed times.
01:09:57There's a bump, right?
01:09:58But this is a contact sport.
01:10:00There's nothing I see in the laws of the game that you can't make contact.
01:10:05I don't think it's an unfair challenge.
01:10:08I don't think he's jumping into Mitov and really putting him off in any way.
01:10:14Yes, there's a little arm out.
01:10:17Goalkeeper is a protected species.
01:10:18He's got to take it.
01:10:19Of course he is.
01:10:20But watch his reaction here.
01:10:21Watch it.
01:10:22At no time does he ask for a foul.
01:10:23Who knows?
01:10:24Until he realised that Stevie McLean's given one.
01:10:26Yeah.
01:10:27Yeah, it's a foul.
01:10:28So I think St Mirren are really hard done by there.
01:10:30But it was a tough evening for him.
01:10:34I think when you look at penalties, Scott, we just saw one with Fernandes.
01:10:37I don't think that's a penalty either.
01:10:38I think it's really harsh.
01:10:40I don't think there's anything deliberate in it and it's dropped onto his hand
01:10:43and we shouldn't be seeing penalties given for that.
01:10:45By the way, what a cross this is.
01:10:47Into an area where Aberdeen are a man down.
01:10:50But Mitov, what are you thinking, Scott?
01:10:52Well, listen, it is coming.
01:10:54It's the 99th minute of the game.
01:10:56It's coming through the bodies.
01:10:57I expect him to save it.
01:10:59Yeah, near post.
01:11:00Yeah.
01:11:01Listen, the fact of the matter is that Aberdeen are down to 10 at the time.
01:11:05But you just need your goalkeeper to come up with that big save at the last minute
01:11:09and secure the three points.
01:11:10Unfortunately, it was a night to forget for him.
01:11:13St Mirren remains second bottom of the table, Neil.
01:11:15But you could see from Steven Robinson how heartened he was by the character shown by his side.
01:11:21He's got that League Cup final on the horizon as well.
01:11:23He needs to get things moving in the right direction.
01:11:24Well, he's going to need that character against Celtic.
01:11:26But the alarming thing that Steve will look at is the goals are conceding.
01:11:31There's a lot of threes in there.
01:11:32Threes, threes, threes, twos.
01:11:34And St Mirren, if you're going with three at the back, you've got an extra defender.
01:11:37You're almost trying to overload on that side of the pitch and go a bit longer.
01:11:40And it's not something you automatically think about St Mirren and Steven Robinson conceding so many goals.
01:11:46But they need to eradicate that.
01:11:48And if they eradicate that, I think they'll start to pick up wins and climb the table.
01:11:51Maybe that Cup final on the horizon will just give them the momentum if they get something, win the Cup.
01:11:57But they need to start winning games, Jonathan.
01:12:00Have you ever been more entertained on a Wednesday night by Scottish football?
01:12:04Scott, it's been brilliant tonight, hasn't it?
01:12:05Yeah, it's been a great night.
01:12:06Listen, some of the games came alive as the game went on.
01:12:09The biggest one for me, Falkett Muller was expecting goals.
01:12:12I know.
01:12:13But the other games absolutely made up for it.
01:12:15Scott, Neil, thank you very much indeed.
01:12:18Let's have a look at the William Hill Premiership table this evening.
01:12:21Hearts remain on top, courtesy of goal difference from Celtic.
01:12:26Both both sides, of course, face each other at Celtic Park on Sunday.
01:12:30Motherwell third, Rangers level with them on 23 points.
01:12:34Livingston weren't in action this evening.
01:12:36They are bottom of the table on eight points.
01:12:38Lots of football on the way.
01:12:40A mouth-watering World Cup draw with Scotland involved.
01:12:44It's brilliant, isn't it?
01:12:4510 past 7, join us on Friday night on the BBC Scotland channel.
01:12:49And then we segue seamlessly into Greenock Morton versus Queen's Park in the Championship.
01:12:53That's from 7.40 on BBC Scotland.
01:12:56The Premiership highlights with Tomo on Saturday night.
01:12:5820 past 10 on BBC One Scotland.
01:13:01And then Celtic versus Hearts.
01:13:03I'll bring you the highlights on Sunday night.
01:13:05Quarter past 7 on the BBC Scotland channel.
01:13:08And then all the best bits from the lower leagues.
01:13:10The SPFL Scottish Football Roundup with you on Monday.
01:13:13BBC Sport online.
01:13:15It was a fairly dreary weekend last weekend.
01:13:19But it's been made up for tonight by box office this evening.
01:13:22From all of us on the sports team for now.
01:13:24Goodnight.
01:13:25Round two.
01:13:26Oh!
01:13:27Tony for the service fare.
01:13:28Tony for the service fare.
01:13:37Tony for the service, Tony for the service.
01:13:42ünd ,
01:13:50Tony for the service.