Scottish Premiership: Are Hearts a concern as Celtic win late and Rangers run under Danny Röhl?

Hearts’ unbeaten Premier League start came to an end in Aberdeen after Celtic’s stoppage time cut to their lead at the top of the table.

Rangers remain on a winning streak under Danny Röhl – they left it late for a controversial win at home to Livingston – and they trail Hibs on goal difference after another impressive display from David Gray’s side.

It’s now three draws in four games for the Jambos as they anxiously await an update on top scorer Lawrence Shankland’s injury.

Title talk was high as Hearts went 12 games unbeaten, but will it be a repeat of Aberdeen last season?

Jimmy Thelin’s side won 10 of their first 11 before going 14 games without a win to finish fifth in the Premier League.

McInnes expects a quick response

There was no panic from Hearts boss Derek McInnes after Sunday’s defeat, with Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd pointing out they were “not bad in the game” at Pittodrie.

“We’re not perfect. We knew that,” McInnes told Sky Sports.

“Sometimes you learn about your team and you learn about your team when you lose a game,”

“The players know what we could have done better. But I know it’s there. I know the quality is there. I know the work ethic is there and the motivation is there.

“We look forward to going again next week.”

Hearts face Motherwell and Kilmarnock before a trip to Celtic Park on December 7.

“It’s one win in four for Hearts, which will be a slight concern.

“The two players who got good reviews, Alex Kyziridis and Claudio Braga, they weren’t there today. They had nice touches but never really created much.

“It just wasn’t to be for Hearts in front of goal. I think Derek has got to take the positives from it.

“It’s a defeat, it’s one that will also hurt them when they come up here, but there are signs that Aberdeen have been on the mend.

“For Hearts, you might start to worry a bit.”

The McGregor factor for Celtic

Celtic struggled at St Mirren as they relied on a moment of magic from captain Callum McGregor to secure a late victory.

There were more chants of “fire the board” as Hoops fans continued to voice their frustration at the club’s hierarchy a day after the AGM was abandoned.

Johnny Kenny, who had scored in their last two league games, struggled up front and was taken off at half-time, while Daizen Maeda struggled against Buddies defender Alex Gogic.

Celtic managed just two shots on target, while interim manager Martin O’Neill said a draw would have been a “fair result”, but you wonder how crucial the 95th-minute stunner from McGregor will be heading into a hectic festive period.

“I think in a difficult time for the club you need your leaders to step up and he did it in the right way when it mattered. It looked like the game had gone for Celtic. Brilliant finish,” former Celtic striker Chris Sutton said on Sky Sports.

“He’s a class player, he always has been. Just imagine this Celtic team without Callum McGregor. There have been a few fans who have suggested he’s had his best days.

“I still think he has such an important role for this Celtic team and leads from the front. He’s such a class player. Like I said, think of a Celtic team without Callum McGregor.

“I can’t imagine a Celtic team working as well as they do if and when he eventually goes. Right now he’s a brilliant player and he steps up when it matters and that’s what Martin O’Neill will demand from him.”

Rangers win, but not convincingly

Rangers claimed four Premiership wins under Danny Röhl, but it was not without controversy and their performances were at times unconvincing.

Röhl had to dig deep into his squad and he lined up when Emmanuel Fernandez made a rare start.

Fernandez headed the hosts in front with his first goal since joining from Peterborough, but he was at fault for Livingston’s equalizer and was lucky not to be penalized for a handball in the box.

There was the usual commotion in the stands before Mohamed Diomande tapped into an empty net to keep the Ibrox side in fourth place, behind Hibernian on goal difference.

Can Hibs maintain their push?

While the focus has been on their Edinburgh rivals and the Old Firm, Hibernian have continued their impressive start to the season.

Kieron Bowie shone as they beat Dundee 2-0 at Easter Road on Saturday to remain third, ahead of Rangers on goal difference and five points behind Celtic, although both teams have a game in hand.

The 23-year-old forward was left out of Steve Clarke’s squad for their final World Cup qualifiers, but his performances and goals will have done him no harm in his bid to be part of next summer’s tournament.

David Gray’s side are away to Motherwell on Tuesday before a home clash with Celtic on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

Can they continue their push to challenge at the top of the table?