- 6 hours ago
Extended highlights of the afternoon’s fixtures in the Scottish Premiership, featuring Rangers v Hearts, Kilmarnock v Celtic and Motherwell v Aberdeen.
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00:30John Jones, what a moment.
00:50Chamberlain, that is how to do it.
00:54Ten men have finished with a flourish.
01:00That makes it six for Aberdeen.
01:05Finding the back of the net.
01:09It's Thomas Magnussen.
01:15Good evening.
01:17So much to love about this supercharged Valentine's Premiership weekend.
01:20We even have a double date with Jackie McNamara and Michael Stewart.
01:24Lucky us.
01:26Three massive games today, plus the best of the Saturday action on the way.
01:30We start with a game with huge implications in the race for the title and the battle to avoid relegation.
01:35The defending champion Celtic, who began the day in third place, away at second bottom Kalmanach.
01:43Back-to-back wins here at Rugby Park.
01:45We welcome Celtic to Rugby Park and it's just another opportunity to try and keep that going here.
01:49This is all about us.
01:51I couldn't care less what's happening at the top end of the table.
01:56Big game today and one that we naturally just have to try and win.
02:01Difficult match.
02:02It'll cause us plenty of problems.
02:03We hope to do the same for them.
02:04Two sides in need of three points for contrasting reasons this afternoon.
02:14The home side looking to build in a recent upturn in performances and results.
02:18The champions aiming to apply some pressure to the two above them.
02:22Come on and make a couple of changes from that 4-3 win over St Mirren.
02:28Dom Thompson returns from suspension.
02:31There's a first start for Joe Hoogel.
02:33Forworth and Anderson drop to the bench.
02:35There's a first start, two for Junior Adamu.
02:37One of four changes as Tierney, Hattati and Yang return to the Celtic line-up as well.
02:42It's Hattati trying to switch play, but Dom Thompson intercepts and that's Curtis with a good first touch.
02:54And not a bad second, can he take the shot on?
02:56He can, but it's straight down the throat to Kasper Schmeichel.
02:59He's annoyed with himself that he didn't provide more of a test for the Celtic keeper in the end,
03:04having done well in the lead-up.
03:06D's header is picked up by Tierney, he drives Celtic forward and now it's Maida.
03:16He's got a lot of time and space, pushed away by Gross, picked up by Araujo.
03:24Kegger now, thought about the shots, Tierney for Maida once more,
03:29pokes it across the six-yard box, good interception from Thompson.
03:33And Kermana dig it forward, giving the ball away again, no Araujo, can he pick out a team-mate?
03:42This time it's Sean and Larson who gets it clear.
03:48All action start to this game, and it's clipped forward now for Hoogle.
03:53It's a nice ball inside for Tyrese John-Jules, trust he's with him.
03:58John-Jules trying to get it back into Hoogle, now he takes the shot on!
04:03What a finish from Tyrese John-Jules!
04:08That is simply devastating!
04:12But the striker who's in red home form,
04:16after he's hatching against him, the confidence is up,
04:21and look at the whip it gets on that,
04:23Bjorn Schmeichel, Kilmarnock in front.
04:25Thompson forwards for Kielty, now it's Watson,
04:33it's a lovely ball back into the path of Thompson,
04:36Thompson looking for Hoogle there,
04:39he's going to come back to John-Jules,
04:42Hoogle's there with a glancing head,
04:44and Schmeichel can't reach it,
04:46and it's two for Kilmarnock!
04:50What a first half they're having!
04:54Delight of the days of Neil McCann,
04:56no wonder!
04:57John-Jules just dicks it in on Hoogle's!
05:04Really delicate header,
05:06getting too much elevation for Schmeichel,
05:10and tries he right,
05:11he couldn't keep it out,
05:13and Hoogle has a first goal
05:15on his first start for Bromarnock!
05:17And what is the Celtic response like here?
05:22They've been off the pace.
05:25Tierney, decent looking ball,
05:28and Roos keeps it out,
05:29it was Jan who forced the goalwards.
05:34Still Celtic not finished,
05:37and Roos will gather that one more comfortably.
05:41And he had to look lively there,
05:44as the ball came across goal,
05:45takes a nick off Thompson,
05:48and Roos certainly keeps it from crossing the line.
05:53Celtic could really do with a goal back
05:55before the interval,
05:56looking for it here,
05:57Yang for Negri,
05:58and it's a poor touch,
06:00and it's Maida!
06:02And it's blocked, I think, by Thompson.
06:07It was on a plate there for Dyson Maida.
06:11Oh, is it Thompson or Roos?
06:13He gets that block in,
06:14either way they keep it out.
06:15John Jules for Keltie.
06:23Now Watson.
06:25Kelly looking for a third,
06:26it's Curtis with his back to go,
06:28but he spins and shoots,
06:30but shoots wide.
06:31and he's looked a really astute lone signing for Kilmarnock as young Quinley Curtis.
06:41Hardly surprising that Celtic make three changes at half-time,
06:46but they're on the defensive once more here,
06:49as Greg Keltie comes forward.
06:50Schmeichel sees, but Kelly have the corner.
06:57Kilmarnock looking to extend that advantage.
07:00there's Tinecti,
07:08back to Tierney.
07:10Tinecti once more up against Schoening Larsson,
07:19strikes one,
07:21straight at Keleros,
07:22decent save,
07:24but you'd expect him to make it.
07:29Tinecti always wants to come in off the left-hand side onto his right foot,
07:34and that's why.
07:35Schoening Larsson with the header down to McGregor.
07:41Celtic have been positive at the start of this second period.
07:48And it's Tinecti once more,
07:50cuts in field,
07:52looks up,
07:53oh, what a finish that is!
07:56Tinecti drags Celtic back into the contest!
08:05Well, he had a sighter just a moment or two ago,
08:08but that one is top-drawer finishing.
08:16This is fifth goal of the season,
08:18and it could be a really vital one,
08:21Rose couldn't reach it.
08:25And Oco,
08:27with a long throw-in,
08:29causing some confusion,
08:31there's the equaliser,
08:32it's Nugren!
08:35To knock home from close range,
08:37and Celtic at level!
08:39But Cimanec defending here,
08:41there's a lot to be desired,
08:44and Nugren,
08:46as always,
08:46in the right place,
08:48at the right time,
08:50to notch a 16th goal of the season,
08:53for a midfielder,
08:54that's a fabulous tally.
08:58Cimanec with an opportunity to get their noses back in front here.
09:01It'll be John Jewells,
09:02it'll be John Jewells,
09:04rattles the crossbar,
09:05Schmeichel was beaten,
09:06comes back to John Jewells again,
09:08that one's well off target,
09:10so unlucky for the striker,
09:12almost perfection with the free-kick.
09:15almost perfection with the free-kick.
09:21Schmeichel just left it,
09:22Niedler was heading over.
09:29Maraoko out to Forrest,
09:31up against Thompson.
09:33Gets the break of the ball almost,
09:36Kelly have given it away.
09:39Nugren for Oxlade-Chamberlain,
09:41team effort really in the end.
09:44Looking to replicate his match-winning goal from midweek,
09:48not quite.
09:52Last minute of stoppage time.
09:55Siracchi's throwing,
09:56Schvancher has done well,
09:58across goal it comes,
09:59and a goal!
10:01What a finish,
10:02Scheltegaard done it again!
10:05That is quite incredible.
10:08And he takes the acclaim of the visiting fans.
10:15Well, you think he enjoyed that one?
10:17Of course, Scheltegaard goal,
10:19great work from Clanchera,
10:21and a terrific finish from the Mexican.
10:25And Scheltegaard snatched it at the death once more.
10:29And that could be absolutely massive.
10:38Only second surely remaining now,
10:40it's all over.
10:43And Julio Nanaoko has earned Schelteg
10:46an absolutely huge victory at Rugby Park,
10:50coming back from the dead.
10:53And they get the three points they so desperately require,
10:56devastating for Kilmarnock,
10:58who gave so much to the game,
11:00but it finishes.
11:01Kilmarnock two,
11:02Celtic three.
11:04I'm not devastated, I'm just angry.
11:06Clearly, there's a lot of disappointment there.
11:09So many good things within the match for us.
11:132-0 up at half-time, I thought we were brilliant.
11:16Probably could have a couple more.
11:18But we spoke about it at half-time at Celtic,
11:21we'd push and have a real go at it.
11:22They made lots of substitutions,
11:24brought on a lot of quality.
11:26And when they get back to 2-2,
11:27it's just about managing the game properly,
11:29seeing out, which is an enormous amount.
11:31I added on time, seven minutes,
11:32not quite sure where they got that from.
11:35But nonetheless, we've just got to deal with things
11:38the same as Celtic, or try to deal with it,
11:40and see it out, which actually would have been a good point,
11:43but they're still maybe a wee bit disappointed with it.
11:45It was a wonderful second half performance by us.
11:48We were, I thought we were very poor in the first half.
11:53As a team defending, we weren't that good.
11:56Then when we had it, we gave it away at times.
11:58But the second half was totally different.
12:00We came out, renewed energy, renewed spirit,
12:03made some changes at half-time,
12:05and then Seb scores this wonder goal for us
12:08and puts us right back in the game.
12:10And we've culminated in us winning the match.
12:15So that dramatic last gasp comeback victory for Celtic
12:18moved them up to second in the table.
12:21Would they stay there?
12:22It would all depend on what happened
12:24between the league leaders, Hearts and Rangers,
12:26and how the Edinburgh side would love a repeat
12:28of what happened on their last visit to Ibrox back in September.
12:33The turbulent start to the season for Rangers
12:35as Hearts cross the M8 with a great deal of hope.
12:38The reverse to Shankland, and that's a brilliant goal for Hearts.
12:46But there's the whistle to deny Taylor Oskar.
12:51And Stephen McLean awards the penalty.
12:54Butlin saves, and Shankland's there.
12:562-0, Heart of Midlothian.
13:07It's the biggest game of the season so far
13:11in a campaign that some are calling the best in decades.
13:15Will the next 90 minutes live up to the hype?
13:18Danny Rule makes five changes with a couple of big calls in there as well.
13:23In come Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandes,
13:26Tour Robbins into the defence.
13:28Andreas Scott Olsen starts out wide with Ryan Nidere up top.
13:32As for Hearts, they give a full debut to their record signing Ajou.
13:37He was signed way back in the summer, but he's had an injury-plagued debut season so far.
13:43The only other change to the side was Craig Halkett coming in to replace Frankie Kent.
13:48Armed Forces Day and Irox, who will have the fire forward.
14:03And it's a misplaced pass.
14:07Sides struggling for 16 minutes.
14:12It's a mistake from Fernandes.
14:17It could allow Hearts in here.
14:18Braga into the box, onto the right foot, he cuts it back.
14:21Leonard with the goal!
14:26Mark Leonard fires Hearts into the lead at Ibrox.
14:34This place is stunned.
14:36Jubilant scenes in the away end.
14:46It looked like Hearts had let the opportunity go, but Leonard fired that in.
14:53When given the ball back by Braga.
14:57How big a goal could this be in the Scottish Premiership title race?
15:02Chukwani.
15:08Ibrox restless already.
15:11The ball through now, Raskan, loose touch.
15:14Will Hawks try and pick Rangers off on the counter here?
15:18Ajou fails to take the touch.
15:21Chesnikov was away, now instead it's Rangers coming forward.
15:24Robins with the ball in, plays the one-two.
15:27There's bodies in the box.
15:29The header at the back, push from Chermiti.
15:30Swallow with a save, Raskan on the follow-up.
15:32Off the bar, and it's in!
15:36Somehow Rangers are level, and it's Ryan Naderi with the goal.
15:44Hearts lead doesn't last long.
15:46And it comes through Naderi.
15:55It was Chermiti initially denied Raskan off the bar.
15:59In fact, that might be an own goal.
16:02Michael Steinwender might have slashed that into his own net.
16:06He was off balance.
16:11Oh, it's a calamity for Michael Steinwender.
16:14Only just on is a sub.
16:17And he scores a dreadful own goal at Ibrox.
16:20Wimpton now, on top of the goalkeeper.
16:29There's a Rangers man down in the box.
16:31Chesnikov loses the ball to Mikey Moore.
16:36Thinks about the cross, goes for the shot.
16:39Rangers still knocking on the door.
16:41Scott Olsen goes down.
16:43The free kick goes against Rangers.
16:45And the dame goes into the book.
16:49Don Robertson in absolutely no doubt there.
16:54He books Scott Olsen for simulation.
17:08Drew with the header onto Chesnikov, finds Braga.
17:11This could come through for Ajout.
17:12It's well blocked by Toschi Chikwani.
17:16The cross now, hung up to the back post.
17:18Braga with the header.
17:19Braga with the goal.
17:21Hearts have done it again.
17:26They lean at Ibrox once more.
17:31And it's the man they sing that song about, Claudio Braga.
17:36They're coming away with the ball, Braga.
17:39Hearts are coming away with the ball, Braga.
17:42Brilliant ball to Ajout, there's a man to the left-hand side.
17:45That's where Ajout goes now, to Kisaridis.
17:48Braga.
17:49Into the box.
17:51Can Hearts stun Rangers again?
17:53No, they can't.
17:54The advantage played by Don Robertson, the pace of this one, not letting up at all.
18:04Scott Olsen.
18:06Brilliant ball to Madiri, stays on his feet.
18:08Chirmiti now tries the cross.
18:10It comes back to Yusuf Chirmiti.
18:142-2.
18:16And this breathless game has another goal.
18:22Rangers, Peg Hearts back again.
18:26An element of fortune.
18:28And how the ball comes back to Yusuf Chirmiti, but you can see he's carrying a knock.
18:32He's soldiering on, and he finds the finish.
18:36Much maligned, the big striker, but a lot to like for Rangers fans in Danny Rule in that bit of play.
18:44Gets the break of the ball off Halkin.
18:47And just tucks it past Alexander Swolo and the Hearts goal.
18:51We're level again at Ibrox.
18:53No, just plays it to Braga.
19:00It's taking a different route this time.
19:02Halkin goes down in the box.
19:05John Robertson had a good look.
19:07Let's have another look at this.
19:08Claudio Braga with the ball in.
19:10And that's Halkin barged in the back there by Yusuf Chirmiti.
19:14Andreas Scott Olsen, there's plenty of players in that six-yard box.
19:19It comes to the back post, Finlay away, there's a big shout for handball.
19:24The shot goes over now, the Rangers players surrounding referee Don Robertson.
19:30Does Stuart Finlay handle this as he tries to head the ball away?
19:34It certainly looks like it comes off his wrist.
19:39The play will go on, no penalty.
19:48Chikwani.
19:53It comes to Skolson.
19:57It's a Sterling.
20:00Harry Mill, not happy with Stuart Finlay, wanted him to close it down.
20:04The ball comes in!
20:05Yusuf Chirmiti has another.
20:07The Rangers have a third.
20:09And for the first time in this game, the Eyebrot side have the lead.
20:13Yusuf Chirmiti with the header.
20:17The man for the big occasions.
20:18The man for the big occasions.
20:22He scored two against Celtic in that New Year's derby.
20:26And he has two goals in what has been the biggest game of the season.
20:34It's a brilliant ball in from Scott Olsen.
20:36Chirmiti losing his man at the front post, rising to collapse that header in.
20:42Two Romans making the run.
20:56Chikwani steps in style instead.
21:01Launches a ball out to Skolson, who kills it brilliantly and cuts it back for Mikey Moore.
21:05And it's over the bar.
21:08Rangers now creating chances at will.
21:11How about that from a bit of skill from Andrea Skolson.
21:15Mikey Moore had to hit the target there.
21:17Leonard and Milne work it well.
21:21Leonard with the cross to the back post.
21:23Butlin with the punch.
21:25He had to get there and he did.
21:27And now Rangers trying to come away.
21:29It's Jerry Gassama.
21:31Ant-Man wants it.
21:32Gassama going himself.
21:36Rangers touring forward.
21:37Can they find a fourth?
21:39The ball slipped to Chirmiti on for the hat-trick.
21:41He has it!
21:42A hat-trick for Yusuf Chirmiti.
21:48Three goals and all three points for Rangers.
21:54He has become their big game player.
21:58And he has announced their intention in this title race.
22:01But cut to two points.
22:11And it's Yusuf Chirmiti who has written his name all over this game.
22:17A hat-trick on the biggest stage of all.
22:27With all that wide to Nico Raskier.
22:31Rangers playing with real confidence now.
22:38Tavernier shifting it.
22:41Ant-Man to Raskan.
22:43Whips it across.
22:45Oh, so close to a fifth.
22:47It was James Tavernier.
22:49That really would have rubbed salt in the wound.
22:52But Rangers playing with a swagger again.
22:56And there's the full-time whistle.
22:58Rangers were asked questions today.
23:01They had to come from behind twice.
23:03But they did just that and a little more.
23:06And Yusuf Chirmiti gets all the congratulations.
23:09His goals have fired Rangers that much closer to Hearts.
23:15Is this the moment the title swings in their favour?
23:18It finishes at Ibrox.
23:21Rangers four.
23:22Heart of Midlothian two.
23:27Yeah, acceptable performance for my team.
23:29I think we showed a big personality today to come back two times.
23:36But over 90 minutes we were the better team.
23:40We fully deserved this win.
23:44I think we give them two presents today.
23:46But at the end to win 4-2 such a game.
23:49Now we are in the middle of this exciting race and let's see what we can do.
23:56But it's all about the next one and it's about win the next game away in Livingston.
24:00For us to be there, when you see the size of the clubs that we're up against, it shows its testament to everybody's job who have done well.
24:10The players have been terrific to show the level of consistency.
24:15There's no shame in losing Rangers at Ibrox.
24:18We wanted to be brave, we wanted to show courage and I thought we've seen that in the performance.
24:22There was a lot about the performance we enjoyed.
24:25We're just disappointed with the goals we conceded and we're disappointed today.
24:29But I did say regardless of the day, we're still alive and kicking and it's up to us now to go and show that between now and the end of the season.
24:38I said it before and I'll say it again, it's a quite incredible season.
24:41Hearts still top on 57 points, Rangers second on 55, Celtic third on 54.
24:48And they have a game in hand.
24:49Jackie McNamara, it certainly has lived up to the blockbuster billing that this weekend had.
24:54And in terms of this match at Ibrox, first and foremost between Rangers and Hearts.
24:59I mean, right from the off, it was quite incredible.
25:01And Hearts really calling the shots as well, early doors.
25:03Mark Leonard obviously with the opening goal.
25:05Yeah, I thought Hearts, you know, obviously they get a gift with the first goal.
25:09Fernandes kind of dwells on it and Raskin looks away and he puts it across.
25:16He actually does really well.
25:18You know, the touch is behind him and it's a fantastic finish.
25:21But yeah, Rangers kind of gifted that one at the start and you know, Hearts took full advantage of it there.
25:30Yeah, they latched onto it really quickly.
25:32I thought perhaps Leonard could have slipped it to Aju on the other side.
25:36But he's stretching for that and it's still, it's a very, very good finish from Leonard.
25:40But yeah, Fernandes has got that in his game.
25:42He's lackadaisical at times and yes, there's a lot of nudge there, but that's not enough for a fill.
25:48And it's just a terrible goal for, you know, Hearts to concede.
25:52You heard the manager talking about it, Derek McInnes.
25:55But I think, you know, the key in all this game was, and you look at Rangers signings in January.
26:00Danny Rose clearly wanted to bring physical presence and intensity to the team.
26:06And that's what that game was there.
26:07If you look at the two games, because it's not just the weekend's game, it's the midweek games as well.
26:12And the Rangers manager clearly wanted to make sure that he had two teams set up to try to maximise the points in two very difficult games.
26:19And he went with real physicality today.
26:21And I thought they imposed themselves on Hearts.
26:23You talk about intensity as well, Michael.
26:25And obviously a huge disappointment for Hearts this evening, given the score line.
26:29It's certainly not over this season, that is for sure.
26:32And Claudio Braga, I mean, he took this goal so well.
26:36And Hearts once again taking the initiative in this match.
26:38Yep, yeah, absolutely.
26:39You know, I hear Danny Rose saying, you know, the gifted two goals to Hearts.
26:44I think they gifted the first one.
26:45The second one, you've got to take your heart off to Claudio Braga here, because this is a sensational header.
26:51An absolutely top-class header.
26:53Yes, perhaps you could be saying to John Suter, he should be more physical and get himself into a better position early.
26:58But that header is pinpoint, and he's got such a wonderful knack, Claudio Braga,
27:04of being in the right place at the right time and just coming up with big goals.
27:08And that was a huge one.
27:09You know, yes, Danny Rollo will look upon that as a poor goal to have conceded.
27:13But for me, it's Hearts and Derek McKinnis that will be looking at defensive frailties,
27:18because they've gifted, you know, from a defensive perspective, poor goals to Rangers.
27:24But I think a lot of it was the pressure and the intensity that Rangers put on them, forced them into making, you know, poor decisions.
27:29Jacky, there's been so much criticism about Youssef Chirmity this season.
27:33One of the things that really grabbed the headlines was in that Old Firm derby when he scored two goals.
27:37And it was a big, big moment for him and for Rangers.
27:40Today, another huge match, and what a huge impact.
27:44Would you explain it?
27:45Yeah, I thought he was very good for Rangers today.
27:47He looked strong, he looked physical.
27:50He gets a bit of a break there.
27:51You know, when it comes through, I thought, how kick should I stay up?
27:56You know, maybe I've blocked it.
27:57Because he's not going to shoot there.
27:58He's going to put it across and just, he gets a bit fortunate with the break of the ball.
28:03But, you know, you know, how kick taking yourself out of the game there and puts it in near post.
28:09But this one here is, I think, a fantastic header.
28:13You know, he's no right to get into that space there.
28:16And as I said, the keeper had no chance for that.
28:19It's a really good header from Chirmity.
28:21But as you've seen in the clips, the highlights there, the graphics,
28:25Hearts have gone to a back three this time.
28:27And I think it caused him problems.
28:29You're looking at Steinbender before, where he should drop into that near post area.
28:33But he's also got an eye, I think it's on Mikey Moore, who's on the edge of the box.
28:37Beningame doesn't track Chirmity either.
28:39But all of those things just are all the little bits that add up to it.
28:43Stuart Finlay should have stayed out a little bit more,
28:46even though he's the left side, centre half, because Harriman was caught further up.
28:49In the end, he's in no man's land.
28:51He's not affecting the cross and he's not in the box defending it.
28:54And I think the change of system, it had to change something at half time,
28:58Derek McInnes, because Azu and Chesnikov were miles off it.
29:01But he brought on Kibori and Altena and they didn't have any influence in the game.
29:06And I think the change in the system didn't help because
29:09Hearts in the first half had a threat up the top end of the park.
29:11But in the second half, it was as if they invited that extra little bit of pressure back.
29:16And I don't think they were comfortable in that.
29:18In terms of Chirmity for you, Michael, you'd more or less almost double his goal
29:23for the season today by claiming his hat-trick.
29:26He's just 21 years of age. Do you feel he has the potential to be a top striker?
29:29No, I don't. I mean, look, he scored the hat-trick today, which is wonderful for Rangers and for him.
29:35But again, this is terrible defending from Hearts.
29:39Good touch, good finish. But no, he's all in games just a little bit slack.
29:45His touch at times is very unpredictable. And no, it was the longest shot of it, I don't.
29:50But I mean, very difficult to articulate that when he scored the hat-trick against
29:54Hearts in the top of the table clash. But I'm just giving you an honest answer.
29:58How big a statement is this from Rangers, Michael?
30:01And in terms of how big a blow is this for Hearts today?
30:03Well, clearly, it's a blow to Hearts. There's no doubt about that.
30:06You know, there was occasions there today where they've got their noses in front
30:09and they'd be contemplating going eight points clear. But as I said to you,
30:13I think Danny Rose had a bit of clarity since he's come in. He knows what he needs.
30:19He's got that. And he knows how to get the best out of what he had to begin with,
30:23which is being able to chip away at the lead that was there.
30:25They've brought physicality. They've brought intensity to try and combat what he obviously
30:31has seen other teams having in the league. But I don't think there's any question that
30:36over the course of the rest of the season, all the teams are going to be dropping points.
30:40It's just going to make for another fantastic end, you know, 12 games to go. And I'm sure
30:46every team is capable of beating each other.
30:48Which is great for us, of course, Jackie. Let's go to Rugby Park now and talk about
30:52that match. Martin O'Neill certainly not very happy about Celtic's first half performance.
30:56Neil McCann would have been thrilled with Kilmarnock. Tyrese, John Jules as well, causing havoc once
31:02again, turning into a real star at Rugby Park. Shame it would end for him this afternoon with an injury. But
31:07Celtic sort of architects of their own downfall at times as well, you'd have to say.
31:12Yeah, I think as much as Celtic were poor, I thought Kelly were excellent on the front foot.
31:17You can see Neil's, you know, been working with him on that intensity in their game. And
31:23as I said, I thought they picked up every second ball. You know, from their side, John Jules,
31:28I think he's a real threat. He scores a fantastic goal for his side. From Celtic's side, I think
31:33it was very poor. The two goals he lost in the effort were preventable. But, you know, I think
31:40for Neil, he'll be frustrated because even when he gets back to 2-2, you know, the moments there,
31:46they hit the crossbar with a free kick. Yeah. I think he'd want to see out the game and at least
31:50come away with a point. But, you know, Celtic keep going to the end, as I've done in the last few weeks.
31:55Michael Tyrese, John Jules, former Arsenal youth player, a nephew of Danny John Jules of Red Dwarf fame.
32:03Quite incredible. Yeah. Curious fact, but a really good player. Yes, he is. Now, didn't get a
32:09particularly, you know, great run of games previous. But even in the little clips and moments that I'd
32:14seen before, I thought, you know, there was a player there. Neil has clearly gone in and thought,
32:19this guy, he's my main man up top. And you can understand why. You see there, the clips,
32:25you've got to show him down the line. You know, Austin Trusty, he manages to eventually slow up,
32:29stand them, you know, up 1v1. And in this position here, you can't let him come back inside. Now, here,
32:36it's too easy. And then he doesn't get any attempt on the block there. But I think his overall game,
32:42he's got pace, he's got power, and he's got a fair bit of quality as well, John Jules. I just think that
32:47he's got a bit of everything. And it is a massive, massive blow for them, for them to
32:52pick up that injury. This is obviously the second goal, which is, it was good play again. It's a
32:59lovely little dink ball. Yeah. And Hugo does brilliantly here. But you can't get past the fact
33:04that cash burst Michael, just lacking that explosiveness. And we were talking about this
33:10before, and I think Jackie mentioned, I think he's absolutely spot on. I just do, I'm concerned
33:14that there's an issue with his left shoulder and he doesn't really want to be opening up that joint
33:18and landing on it. Because I don't see any reason why he's not going with his left arm for it.
33:23Yeah. You just see at the end, obviously, it's a big blow for John Jules with his thigh pulling up
33:27there. Yeah, it's a big loss for them. It certainly is in terms of the fight against relegation.
33:31Sebastian Tenechti, he loves rugby park, Jackie. I think Michael and I were at a very rainy rugby
33:36park when he made his debut for Celtic and he let the place up. He scored against Auchanleck Talbot
33:40there. And today, what a difference maker. Yeah. Again, it was very similar to the goal he scored
33:46with Auchanleck as well. He's just coming on that right side. I think Neil would be angry at that as
33:50well, because he'd won just before it, where he comes in and has a good attempt. You know, the last thing
33:55you want him to do is come in and have a free shot at goal. The second one, you get a wee bit fortunate
34:00with the ricochet there. It's a poor, poor goal to lose. You know, they lost the last two goals
34:07that come from Celtic throw-ins. And you see how angry Neil McCann was at the final.
34:11Well, I mean, look, it's completely understandable. I mean, look, they were absolutely brilliant in
34:17the first half. As Jackie said, they were first every second ball, deservedly got their noses in
34:21front, two up. But you expect that reaction. I was a little bit surprised that Tenechti didn't start,
34:26because as you mentioned there, he was outstanding in his debut at Kilmarnock in the rugby park.
34:33Then in the cup game, when he came off the bench against Auchanleck and he had a real impact that
34:37day as well. So, you know, sometimes people have just got somewhere that they enjoy playing. And
34:42clearly that's the case with Tenechti at rugby park. But aye, big impact, big goal. And I mean,
34:49Arojo at the end. It's unbelievable.
34:52Well, Celtic have become these salvage experts all of a sudden, Jackie. It's at six winning
34:55goals in the 90th minute or later in the Premiership this season. Miraculous, Martin O'Neill,
35:00Midas Touch, likening this side's resilience to the side that you played in 20-odd years ago.
35:06Jackie and, as Michael says, Julian Arojo ended up in hospitality almost with the celebrations.
35:11Yeah, again, it's a good cutback. I think Nilo will be angry at that, the third one as well. Just the
35:17wrong side there. I think it's Lyons, the wrong side. But he's up there and he actually does really
35:22well when he's left foot to keep it down and it's a fantastic finish.
35:26On the one hand, you could say Celtic are scraping this victories, but at the same time they are getting
35:31the victories. Is this the mark of champions, Michael?
35:34Well, certainly, because when you're not playing well, you're not dropping points. At least you
35:42would think that there's going to come a point where the momentum and the rhythm comes to the
35:46game and the win game is a little bit easier. When you're not playing particularly well and
35:50you're coming up with last minute goals, it just helps to build the belief in the team massively.
35:56But that last one, if you look at it again, Brad Lyons is standing behind the attacker there
36:01and I just think he has to be in front of him, defender up behind, make him a meat in the
36:06sandwich and stop the ball going into the attacker's feet.
36:09And just finally on this point, Hearts Rangers Celtic, impossible to call at this juncture?
36:16I think so, yeah. I think from Celtic's point of view, they're not dominating the games,
36:22they're not dominating possession, but the importance today was the substitutions, the squad,
36:28the players that he's brought in, Chamberlain last week against Livingstone. So that's making a real
36:33difference to the squad in general, which gives them more firepower to go and finish games strongly.
36:40Just had a bit of spanner at the works, Jonathan. When you talk about these guys,
36:44I would not discount Motherwell now. I'm now of the view I would not discount them.
36:48Thanks, Michael. They're that good.
36:49That segues nicely into this next little bit, next to the Motherwell success story.
36:53Unbeaten in their last nine Premiership home matches as they took on still managerless Aberdeen.
36:59Commentary comes from Rob McLean.
37:02Much admired, Motherwell made it nine league games at Fir Park.
37:06Unbeaten with that late leveller against Rangers on Wednesday night.
37:10They'll look to stay on course for a top four finish in the Premiership.
37:14Against managerless Aberdeen, who've lost their last five league games on the road.
37:20Jens Bertolasco's team are without suspended.
37:22Lukas Fadinger sent off in midweek. Oscar Priestman will look to slot in seamlessly.
37:28The other change sees Tom Sparrow replacing Stephen O'Donnell at right back.
37:34Four of these Aberdeen players make their debut.
37:36Two pair Christian Bratweit in goal, Tom McIntyre, Afeeza Reymou and Dennis Geiger.
37:42There's a first start for Teosie Olusanya and a recall for Alexander Jensen,
37:47making it six changes to the Dons team beating at Kilmarnock in their last game more than a fortnight ago.
38:01Liam Morrison had to hurry his clearance and he's played it straight to Longolo.
38:06No great pressure on the ball as Longolo cuts it back.
38:13That's a fierce hit from Oscar Priestman, and it's beaten away by Bratweit.
38:20Oscar Priestman looking for his first motherwell goal, and he's certainly got plenty behind this.
38:27Camera. In from Geiger. Stabbed into the danger zone, and it's a wild swipe from Toppy Keskenen as he looked to apply the finish.
38:44Knocked into the danger zone by Nisbet, and that was a chance for Keskenen.
38:49Geiger. Nisbet dropping off the front at times to pick out some passes,
38:59and it's Keskenen who drives infield. Nisbet, and it's off the outside of the post from Kevin Nisbet.
39:08They've had some defending to do Aberdeen, but they've created opportunities as well.
39:15And it's always pretty dangerous for any team giving that sort of time and room to Nisbet.
39:23Tony Dougherty back in the dugout for Aberdeen, assisting Peter Leaven for the rest of the season.
39:28And it's knocked behind by Liam Morrison, to the corner.
39:39Slattery with the motherwell corner kick.
39:43The overhead kick blocked.
39:46Aberdeen shouting for a handball against Maswanese.
39:50That's Saeed.
39:55Great skill.
39:55It's headed away by Morrison.
40:00Welsh fires it in, Eli Just!
40:06Brilliant finish from the Kiwi.
40:13Motherwell looking to maintain momentum.
40:17And they make the big breakthrough against Aberdeen, it's goal number five
40:21for Eli Just.
40:27It's a moment of real quality that gets Motherwell again in the driving seat.
40:33But there's room for L'Angelo.
40:48Managing to force in the cross, just with a chance to make it two.
40:52The ball bouncing up off his arm in the end.
40:57But he was well picked out here.
41:01And this was a chance to make his a double on the day.
41:05And again, for Ward, nicely done.
41:14Aberdeen pressing, and motherwell playing around them.
41:17Tawanda Maswanese with the reverse pass, and Just is in again.
41:27Tucks inside, and what an opportunity for number two.
41:32Ibrahim Saeed has missed the sitter.
41:34Just could have taken that on himself.
41:37But he chose to set up his teammate.
41:41He was in a much better position.
41:44It was on a plate for Saeed.
41:47And he can't quite believe he's missed this opportunity.
41:53Round the corner from Nisbet, no joy for Olisanya.
41:56And here goes Maswanese with that searing pace.
42:02And he's dragged it wide.
42:04Look how angry he is with himself.
42:09The Premiership's top goalscorer.
42:1318 in all competitions so far, and he thinks this should have been number 19.
42:23Can't remember if they can give themselves some hope.
42:25It's Cameron's delivery.
42:26Well, there is the hope.
42:28There is a massive opportunity.
42:32And it should be 1-1.
42:35Had to be in.
42:37And it's gone well wide, the diving header from Morrison.
42:42Scratching their heads on the touch line, these two.
42:45To try to plot a way back for Aberdeen.
42:47Just liable to pop up just about anywhere on the pitch.
42:56Slips it through for Longolo, it's a great cross, it's another chance for Maswanese.
43:02To add to his already impressive total.
43:05A very well-constructed again from Mijansbert Lascaux's team.
43:19Geiger.
43:20Cameron. Still going, Lyle Cameron.
43:30Frame fires it across, juggled by Ward, back off the post,
43:36a fraction away from an Aberdeen equaliser.
43:42Well, if Motherwell needed a warning, this was it,
43:46the cross was juggled by Ward,
43:50and Olesanya's effort bouncing back off the post.
43:55Geiger over the free kick.
43:58That comes off Morrison, Slattery had a swing at it,
44:01it's juggled by Callum Ward,
44:04and Kevin Nisbet unable to force that over the line.
44:08It's another reminder, despite Motherwell's dominance
44:11and the chances they've had,
44:13that Aberdeen can still get something out of this.
44:17McGinn's pass.
44:19Björgolfsson with the lay-off to Charles Cook.
44:23Saeed...
44:25Maswanese...
44:27Manny Longolo's cross all the way through for Charles Cook!
44:32How did that stay out?
44:34Regan Charles Cook just minutes off the bench, beat the goalkeeper,
44:38but it may have grazed that near post.
44:45Geiger...
44:47rolls the ball out wide.
44:51Now has it again, Cameron alongside him.
44:54It's a good ball in from Lyell Cameron!
44:56It's another opportunity for Aberdeen, Nikki Devlin this time.
45:01Just couldn't quite get the shot away.
45:04Really good delivery.
45:05Motherwell was struggling to defend it.
45:18Regan Charles Cook with a lovely back heel.
45:20It's Sam Nicholson, can he create Nikki Devlin doing the defending?
45:24But that looks like it's gone in off Tom McIntyre.
45:31Jordan McGee might be trying to claim it,
45:33but that looks like on his debut an own goal from McIntyre.
45:38And finally Motherwell clinch all three points.
45:42They could have been streets ahead earlier on in the game
45:45if they'd taken all their chances.
45:47But it's ten games unbeaten in the league at home,
45:52and they take a firm hold again on fourth place in the Premiership.
45:56And an empty front-back of the match goes for a proud Motherwell.
46:01We know we need to work extremely hard as a team today.
46:04It was a very even game in terms of possession,
46:07and then we had to create the moments of quality during the game.
46:10When the pitch was really open, which it was at times,
46:13especially in the first half, but also towards the end of the second half,
46:16because Aberdeen was so ultimate in their pressing
46:19and their defensive structure.
46:21And it was very tempting to use that space all the time
46:23and just go for it, which I don't want them not to do.
46:26I just wanted us to do that a little bit better
46:29so we could have scored that second goal a little bit earlier in the game.
46:32Frustrated, obviously, defeat, but I think we should have got something out of the game.
46:36I think we had enough clear chances to score.
46:39I think we dominated the ball at times,
46:42but again, it's coming away with no points there.
46:45In terms of the opening goal, was there an argument
46:47that maybe there was a handball in the build-up?
46:49I'm not sure if you're aware of it.
46:50I thought it was a handball, but obviously there's a second...
46:53The referee says it's the second phase,
46:55but I don't know why he's not giving the handball straight away.
46:57It clearly hits his hand, but it's one of these things.
47:00Things are not going for us right now.
47:02But listen, there's signs there.
47:05But again, we've just got to score.
47:07We've got to take our chances.
47:09We talk about Elijah just now and again,
47:11but frankly, I don't think we talk about him enough.
47:13Michael Stewart, you've just tipped Motherwell to win the league.
47:16Kind of.
47:18Will you tip Elijah just to be potential player of the season?
47:21He's been quite fantastic consistently for Motherwell.
47:25Yeah, absolutely.
47:26He's just another one of these players that
47:29Jens Bertalescu has been able to show their qualities in this team.
47:35I mean, that's a great run.
47:36Great touch and a wonderful finish.
47:38It really is.
47:39You know, he's brought him in obviously from the Danish league
47:43where he would have seen him, like Ibrahim Saeed as well.
47:46And he's fitted into this team brilliantly.
47:48Look at that run.
47:49And obviously the defenders there, I think that's Frame that's at the back post.
47:53But there's also the defender in the middle that's playing him on as well.
47:58I think, well, it's not a defender.
47:59It's actually Kevin Lisbeth, the striker.
48:01Yes.
48:02It's a defender in the finish.
48:03And, you know, I can't, and I think everybody's the same.
48:07You can't, you know, pour enough credit and compliments and accolades on to Motherwell
48:14because they're a team, and when I said this before, I was being serious that they are
48:19ten points behind the top of the table.
48:21They're eight points behind Rangers but with a game in hand.
48:24Yeah.
48:25You wouldn't bet against them losing that.
48:28So, sorry, you wouldn't bet against them, you know, winning that.
48:30So potentially they're five points behind second place.
48:33Post split fixtures are up for grabs on anything.
48:36And Motherwell don't look like losing games.
48:38They don't look like conceding goals.
48:39So maybe not Kingmakers, actual potential Kings.
48:42Possibly.
48:43I mean, possibly.
48:44The season has been that crazy, I would not put it past.
48:47Again, look at this.
48:48Brilliant, right?
48:49And you heard the manager there talking about, you know, the space that was in behind,
48:53the aggressive pressing that was going on from Aberdeen.
48:56Another great driving run from Just.
48:58I think Just a little bit too much weight on the ball for Saeed.
49:03What do you think, Jackie?
49:04Yeah.
49:05Yeah, it does excellently.
49:06I think it just, it puts the pace on it, makes it just lift off the ground a little bit
49:10and it kind of stubs it wide.
49:13It actually could have taken a touch as well.
49:15They probably should have put this game out of sight earlier than they did, Jackie.
49:20But that's what Michael's saying.
49:22He's right.
49:23They don't look like losing games.
49:24They look like winning games.
49:26Yeah, I think at the start of the season, it's maybe a game that they might have drawn early on.
49:32You know, you heard in certain games that they were totally dominant, chance after chance after chance.
49:39Yeah.
49:40But now they're turning that into three points, you know.
49:43Aberdeen actually had some really good chances there.
49:45They did.
49:46Yeah.
49:47Let's take a look at them just now because these sides do indeed, Michael, meet in the
49:51Scottish Cup match on Wednesday night at Bataudry.
49:54And it is a new look Aberdeen side.
49:57Lots of new faces and they did create opportunities.
50:00And you do kind of feel like Wednesday night is a bit of a last throw of the dice in terms of their season.
50:05They need to try and defend this Scottish Cup.
50:07Yes, absolutely.
50:08You feel like he's got a score there.
50:10I mean, that's a wonderful opportunity at the back post.
50:13There are Morrison there to not hit the target.
50:15It's a sore one.
50:16Ward fumbling there.
50:17I'll sign you off the post.
50:19I mean, I don't understand from Peter Leaven's perspective, he was talking about, you know,
50:24they created so many chances.
50:25I don't think they did control the game in spells.
50:27I think, you know, Motherwell just do incredibly well at exactly that.
50:31But what you would say that Aberdeen definitely, you know, by hook or by crook,
50:35they looked more threatening than they have for a while.
50:38And they did create good opportunities there, but ultimately they never took them.
50:42You know, just to touch on Jackie's point about Motherwell.
50:44They've evolved slightly.
50:46Maswinisi through the middle, more bodies in the middle of the park midfielders.
50:49It's controlling the game with that threat at the top end that they didn't have right at the start of the season.
50:54Another three points for Motherwell.
50:56That was Sunday.
50:57This is what happened on Saturday.
51:04Yandanda's delivery.
51:06It's teasing.
51:07There's a touch from Ashley.
51:08Murray!
51:09At the front post.
51:10Launches the ball into the roof of the net.
51:14Look at what it means to Simon Murray.
51:16Livingston will be so upset at how they've defended this, and to lose so quickly in the match.
51:27Congreve.
51:31Away from McGowan.
51:32Clipped up.
51:33Murray the target, and it's in again!
51:35A quick-fire double!
51:38They look so fired up for this match.
51:41Livingston are still sleeping.
51:46Montaño does well.
51:50Smith.
51:52Searching for Muirhead.
51:54A couple of extra bodies advancing, Pittman leaves it.
51:57Smith turns.
51:58Good block.
51:59Good block.
52:00Second chance.
52:01Deflected in.
52:03Well, that's the response.
52:04Livingston required.
52:07Some Livingston fans may have suspected the chance had disappeared.
52:12That first effort from Smith.
52:18I don't think anyone's betting on the scoring being finished.
52:21In this match.
52:22McCracken under pressure.
52:23Muirhead wins it.
52:24It's Pittman!
52:25It's 2-2!
52:26What an incredible start to this match.
52:31And again, Dundee causing their own problems.
52:35McCracken could have just cleared it.
52:37Muirhead with the challenge.
52:43Hamilton.
52:45Searches for Congreve.
52:47It's their one final Dundee opportunity.
52:50It's Congreve.
52:51Oh, Pior lets it slip!
52:53And grasps it.
52:55Before it crosses the goal line.
52:58Wow!
53:01That's it.
53:02It's all over.
53:05A point apiece for Steven Presley and Marvin Bartley.
53:14Pass Slack.
53:15One of the Hibs winter signings who's gone straight into the starting 11.
53:24That ball did go out.
53:25And it will be at Hibs corner.
53:28Dan McFarlane confirming his decision.
53:33Oh, Nicky Carden just plays it to Dan Barlasa.
53:36Who swings the cross in.
53:37It's a good one!
53:38And the header's even better!
53:41It's Owen Elding.
53:44On his first Hibs start.
53:47The Irish teenager has his first Hibs goal.
53:54Well, here's a stat for you.
53:55Hibs are unbeaten in their past 40 Premiership matches
53:59when they've had the lead at half-time.
54:02And coming forward again.
54:04Cadden clips onto the back post.
54:05Pass Slack is there!
54:06It's off the post.
54:08So close to a second for the Hibs.
54:13And almost a first Hibs goal for Felix Pass Slack.
54:16Not much of a press there from St Mirren.
54:19Although Gogic puts pressure on.
54:21And this could be a big chance.
54:23Mandjon has the effort and Salinger makes the save.
54:27Should Mikhail Mandjon have maybe played in a teammate there?
54:29On Valentine's Day, St Mirren gifted a chance.
54:34They can't make the most of it.
54:37Here's Jamie McGrath, Cadden, making the run.
54:41Oh, that's lovely from Nicky Cadden.
54:44Can he pick out a man in the middle?
54:46Oh, it's in!
54:48Ante Souto!
54:50Profiting on the St Mirren.
54:53Mistake at the back.
54:54And that's far too easy for Hibs.
54:57More soft St Mirren defending.
54:59And Souto has a second goal for Hibs already.
55:10Into the middle it goes.
55:11Canister's with another good header away.
55:16Dylan Tate just wanted that more.
55:19Tate.
55:21Interferent goes.
55:22Set up, chance!
55:24Stewart open it up.
55:25Inbound, Rojo scores again.
55:27Got the winner midweek against Dundee.
55:31Against the opener.
55:32Against Dundee United.
55:34Ferry plays it in, breaks back.
55:38Rojo not so good that time.
55:40Goalkeeper wants it, drops it!
55:42It's a mistake by Bain!
55:45He called for it, he came for it, he wanted it, he didn't get it.
55:49And Ross Graham helped himself to the equaliser.
55:52Great anticipation.
55:54Spencer.
55:55That's all waits.
55:57Full-back to full-back.
55:59McCann, that's a teasing ball there and it's a brilliant finish!
56:01How about that for a 1-2?
56:03Lisa on the inside, onto McCann who waited and lofted the perfect pass.
56:08Tim Goodwin, a stoic face.
56:09There's Ryan Strait.
56:12Opportunity to get it straight back, Sapsford, chance for it.
56:15Sybill to roll it in,
56:18and...
56:19who waited and lofted the perfect pass, Tim Goodwin, a stoic face, there's Ryan Strait,
56:33opportunity to get it straight back, that's her chance for Sybil to roll it in,
56:39but you don't need to power the ball home, sometimes it's all about placement,
56:43as Craig Sybil has just shown.
56:45Stephenson plays it forward, Orters, Henderson, the worst cover, so it is a yellow car.
57:01And Nielsen's ahead of the ball that Woody have caught up with the man, certainly the other defender
57:08on the right hand side was too far away, big call.
57:10It's the first red card of the season for Falkirk, and Liam Henderson is ordered off.
57:22Sybil's.
57:23Sybil, out to Strain, Strain for the byline, it's a decent cross, opportunity at the back post,
57:35and United have the lead for the first time today, Julius Eskisson with his first Dundee United goal,
57:41fires them ahead, Strain with a cross, but then the great Dane for Dundee United with a great finish.
57:47And this is how the William Hill Premiership table looks this evening, and isn't it exciting?
57:54Hearts are top on 57 points, Rangers second on 55, Celtic third on 54 with a game in hand,
58:01Motherwell fourth on 47, also with a game in hand, Falkirk with an 11 point lead over Dundee United,
58:09who do have a couple of games in hand, and at the bottom Livingston with 12, they look almost gone,
58:14who is going to finish second? Bottom of the table, Jackie McNamara, I'll throw that hospital pass of a question to you.
58:21Yeah, I think it's a tough one. I think if you asked us a few weeks ago, I think Kamarnock were the one that was really struggling.
58:28I think Neil's turned that around. I know they lost today, but there's signs there, they're scoring goals.
58:33The worry would be St Mirren, you know, they're not creating a lot, they're not scoring a lot of goals.
58:38They could get dragged in. Dundee obviously we disappointed being two up yesterday.
58:42Yeah.
58:44So again, as much as it's exciting at the top, it is the same at the bottom.
58:48There we must leave it. Jackie, Michael, thank you very much indeed.
58:51Plenty of good football stuff on the way. The SPFL Scottish Football Roundup, that's available tomorrow.
58:57Dundee United vs Spartans on the radio Tuesday night.
59:00And then the Scottish Cup highlights, remember Aberdeen vs Motherwell.
59:03You can see it all Wednesday night at midnight on BBC1 Scotland.
59:06Join us on Sportsland on Thursday night for Celtic vs Stuttgart.
59:10Then the Championship on Friday, Wraith Rovers vs St Johnson, half past seven on BBC Scotland.
59:16This has to be the best season ever. Historians, prove me wrong from all of us on the Sports
59:20team team for now. Goodnight.
59:22To me in this heavy, green on the side, it's a light as heavy on the side, a semi-chair, a semi-chair, a semi-chair, a semi-chair, a semi-chair.
59:38To me in the hedger, a semi-chair, a semi-chair.
59:42To me in this heavy, green on the side, it's a shame.
59:44To me in this heavy, green on the side.
59:52To me in this heavy, green on the side, I can see it from here.