Summary
Derek McInnes makes a notable return to Tynecastle, where his team, Kilmarnock, draws 2-2 with Hearts in a thrilling match that left both sides feeling they could have claimed victory. Hearts, despite a strong performance, were unable to secure all three points, with McInnes acknowledging the electric atmosphere and the emotional weight of facing his former club. The match showcased Hearts' resilience, particularly after they equalized late in the game, while Kilmarnock's struggles continue as they remain at the bottom of the Premiership.
Celtic faces a setback at home against Dundee United, managing only a 2-2 draw after initially taking the lead. The match highlights ongoing defensive issues for Celtic, as they concede goals from set pieces and long balls. Despite the draw, Celtic's depth is evident with impactful substitutions, including Jota, who played a crucial role in the comeback. Meanwhile, Dundee United's recent form under Jim Goodwin shows promise, as they remain unbeaten in their last six matches.
Hibernian's new manager, John McGlynn, finally secures his first point after a draw with St Mirren, though the performance raises questions about the team's attacking capabilities. Aberdeen's struggles continue under Steven Robinson, with fans growing increasingly restless after a series of disappointing results. In contrast, Falkirk is on an upward trajectory, with John McGlynn's side finding form and climbing the league table. Overall, the Scottish football landscape is marked by intense competition and shifting fortunes as teams prepare for upcoming fixtures.
Show Notes
Jane Lewis is joined by Cammy Bell and Michael Grant after a tempestuous night in the Premiership. Did panto villain Derek McInnes deserve the "crackling" reception he got from the Tynecastle faithful? Why are Celtic still looking vulnerable defensively after Dundee United held them at Celtic Park, and when will "hooked at half-time" Kasper Høgh get back on the scoresheet? Plus, can Hibs build on their first point under their new manager? How much pressure is mounting at Aberdeen, and what needs to change for Kilmarnock and Motherwell? 00:02:18 — McInnes’ fiery Tynecastle return 00:06:45 — What were Rangers missing? 00:09:20 — Celtic held by impressive Dundee United 00:12:09 — When will Kasper Høgh find the net? 00:16:39 — A first point for Hibs’ new boss 00:18:28 — Pressure mounting at Aberdeen
More from Scottish Football Podcast
Reaction to a big evening of Premiership football across the country as the Old Firm drop points. Plus big wins for Falkirk and Dundee.
Derek McInnes returns to Tynecastle, but what sort of welcome awaits him and can Hearts’ attacking approach cause Rangers problems? Charlotte Cohen is joined by Mark Atkinson and Rory Loy to look ahead to a full Premiership card. Can Dundee United trouble Celtic after finding form? How much pressure is already building at Hibs after three defeats under their new manager, and can they respond at St Mirren? Plus, Motherwell’s worrying run, St Johnstone’s opportunity in Perth, Aberdeen’s search for consistency, Falkirk’s growing threat and Dundee against Kilmarnock. 00:02:22 — What reception awaits McInnes at Tynecastle? 00:05:03 — Have Hearts learned from that Celtic defeat? 00:10:07 — Can Dundee United cause Celtic problems? 00:12:17 — St Mirren and Hibs face a huge night 00:19:17 — Can Motherwell stop the slide in Perth? 00:22:41 — Aberdeen, Falkirk and Dundee v Kilmarnock
A year after Martin O'Neill made his remarkable Celtic comeback, where does the club stand now? David Currie is joined by Tino Callaghan and Michael Gannon to ask whether O’Neill has taken Celtic forward after delivering the double. Why does the club still feel like it’s in a holding pattern? Has recruitment left the manager exposed? What explains Celtic’s continuing struggles in Europe, despite their domestic results? And with questions over O’Neill’s long-term future, is a succession plan already taking shape, or will Celtic play it safe with their next appointment? 00:02:26 — O’Neill: saviour or sticking plaster? 00:06:59 — The fallout from the Nancy experiment 00:10:04 — Has Celtic’s recruitment let O’Neill down? 00:13:46 — Is O’Neill a human shield for the board? 00:20:18 — Can Celtic win the league again?
Celtic maintained their four-point lead at the top of the Premiership with a hard-fought victory over Hibs, while Hearts bounced back from a difficult week with an important win against Motherwell. Stevie Miller is joined by Kevin Thomson and Conor Sammon to analyse Celtic's performance, discuss the struggles of big-money striker Kasper Høgh and assess whether there are signs of progress at Easter Road despite another defeat for Hibs. The panel also looks at Hearts' encouraging response under Wouter Vrancken, Rangers' impressive attacking form, Dundee United's thrilling win over Aberdeen and mounting concerns for Motherwell after a sixth consecutive league loss. Plus, Falkirk's revival and Kilmarnock's defensive worries come under the spotlight. 00:00 Celtic Stay Four Points Clear 01:20 Celtic Get the Job Done at Easter Road 03:37 What's Wrong with Kasper Høgh? 04:53 Carter-Vickers Returns, Johnson Concern 06:03 Are Hibs Showing Signs of Progress? 10:18 Hearts Bounce Back at Fir Park 12:17 Claudio Braga Finding Form Again 13:29 Is Motherwell's Losing Run Becoming a Crisis? 15:43 Rangers' New Strike Partnership Delivers Again 17:38 Derek McInnes Returns to Tynecastle 19:43 Was Dundee United v Aberdeen the Game of the Season? 21:29 Have Falkirk Turned the Corner? 23:24 Kilmarnock's Defensive Problem 25:14 The Tightest Premiership in Years?
Big wins for Celtic and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and we have all the reaction on Sportsound with Richard Gordon, Scott Allan and Derek Ferguson.