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Five things we learned from the Scottish Premiership weekend

Five things we learned from the Scottish Premiership weekend
© Reuters
Rangers closed the gap to their Old Firm rivals.

Rangers moved one point behind Ladbrokes Premiership leaders Celtic after thrashing Aberdeen 5-0.

The champions had earlier been held to a 1-1 draw by Hibernian at Easter Road.

Here, the PA news agency looks at five other things we learned from the weekend's action.

Celtic are not infallible

Neil Lennon's side were enjoying their best start to a season for nine years but could not extend their winning sequence to seven matches. Lennon was fairly relaxed about his side's performance after they bounced back from an unfortunate own goal from Kristoffer Ajer to level through Ryan Christie before being frustrated by his former side and referee Kevin Clancy, who rejected two strong penalty claims from the visitors.

Ross Laidlaw has redeemed himself

The Ross County goalkeeper let in a howler against St Mirren two weeks ago as Tony Andreu's weak free-kick squirmed through his body to level the scores. But County went on to win 2-1 and Laidlaw earned his team a point against Kilmarnock on Saturday by saving Osman Sow's penalty at Rugby Park.

Goals are in short supply at Kilmarnock

Laidlaw's penalty save ensured a second goalless draw at Rugby Park in three days and a third in four matches there. Killie have kept six clean sheets in their last seven games but have only scored five goals in their seven league matches.

Greg Stewart has forced his way into Steven Gerrard's thoughts

Greg Stewart scored for Rangers
Greg Stewart, right, scored for Rangers (Robert Perry/PA)

The former Dundee forward had to wait a while for his first league start but he justified his selection in style. The creative forward scored once, won a penalty, hit the post, set up a series of chances and came close on a number of other occasions in a performance brimming with creativity and confidence.

Hearts' luck has not turned

Craig Levein eased some of the pressure on him by leading Hearts to a derby win and Betfred Cup success against Aberdeen but there was more bad luck around the corner. Levein lost defender Craig Halkett to a knee injury that will keep him sidelined for several months early in his team's goalless draw against St Mirren. The centre-back joins Steven Naismith, Craig Wighton, Peter Haring, Jamie Walker, Ben Garuccio, John Souttar and Conor Washington on the sidelines.

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Paul Heckingbottom pictured in charge of Hibernian in April 2019
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool77001851321
2Manchester CityMan City75112772016
3Leicester CityLeicester7421135814
4Arsenal73311211112
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham7331109112
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs7322149511
7Chelsea73221413111
8Bournemouth73221312111
9Crystal Palace732267-111
10Manchester UnitedMan Utd72329729
11Burnley723210919
12Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd72237708
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves7142911-27
14Southampton7214711-47
15Everton7214612-67
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton7133510-56
17Norwich CityNorwich7205916-76
18Aston Villa7124811-35
19Newcastle UnitedNewcastle7124413-95
20Watford7025420-162

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