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SPFL Matchday 1: Five Talking Points

Rangers gave Philippe Clement his marching orders, Hibernian defeated a lethargic Celtic, there was no new manager bounce for Motherwell, and the cool-as-ice Kabangu kept Hearts ticking. Meanwhile, Ross County continued their push for the top six, and Aberdeen stave off capitulation with back-to-back wins. Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 27 in the 2024/25 SPFL season. Clement sacked – Who’s next? Rangers 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren was the straw that broke the camel’s back. A dismal showing at Ibrox sealed Philippe Clement’s fate in a week filled with speculation about a potential US-led takeover by San Francisco 49ers’ investors. His dismissal came just hours after our report last night, which anticipated the club’s official announcement. After the match, Clement apologised to the fans, telling BBC Sport: “I can only say sorry and apologise [to the Rangers fans] from me and the team. This is not what Rangers teams need to show on the pitch. We all know this was by far below the standards we all expect.” However, for Rangers supporters, it was too little, too late. Some even set up a JustGiving page to fund his rumoured £1.2 million compensation fee. During his 16-month tenure, Clement showed rare glimpses of promise, particularly in Europe, where Rangers secured automatic qualification for the Europa League round of 16. Yet, he struggled to translate those performances into domestic success, leaving the club 13 points adrift of league leaders Celtic. Attention now turns to his long-term successor, with former Everton boss Sean Dyche, ex-Rangers title-winning manager Steven Gerrard, club legend Barry Ferguson, and former Light Blues midfielder Gennaro Gattuso all linked. Ferguson has been announced by the club to manage until the end of the season. VAR controversy mars heroic Hibs performance The heat on VAR grows with Brendan Rodgers’ latest comments following Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian. An equaliser for Celtic was ruled out in the second half after the VAR overruled the on-field officials. Their decision was that Alistair Johnston crossed the ball after it was out of play, with the linesman originally calling it in. Regarding the controversy, Rodgers told BBC Sport: “I was very disappointed we didn’t get that, especially when the linesman didn’t think it was out. He probably has the best view. “I don’t know how you can tell the ball is definitely out from an image from the 18-yard line. We need to see evidence the ball was out. If you don’t have that, you’re having a guess.” However, the debate surrounding the decision has unfairly overshadowed Hibernian’s outstanding and fully deserved performance. They fought with grit and determination to withstand Celtic’s attacks while capitalising on a fatigued Hoops defence in transition. A defining moment came when Rocky Bushiri heroically cleared the ball off the goal line following a surging run from Jota, sparking a deafening roar from the home crowd. By the final whistle, as Sunshine on Leith echoed around Easter Road, there could be no denying that Hibs had earned their moment of celebration. No new manager bounce for the ‘Well One could forgive the neutral fan who gave little thought to this fixture last weekend. However, there has been renewed interest following the appointment of Michael Wimmer as Motherwell’s manager. The German spoke about bringing “intensity, energy, and passion” to proceedings. Still, there was little evidence of this in the first half of a 1-0 defeat to Dundee United. Both sides came into the game in poor form, but the Tangerines struck first and stopped the Lanarkshire side from having a new manager bounce. The visitors did react positively in the second half but lacked the clinical edge to get back into the match. On the second-half performance, Wimmer told BBC Sport: “We can work with the second half. It was really good. It was aggressive, we had opportunities, and we played forward. That’s what we want to see.” The Steelmen are now on their joint longest losing streak in ten years and worryingly looking over their shoulders at the teams behind them in the table. Kabangu injection saves Hearts Nine years ago, the Perth club witnessed a bejewelled Elton John in a stellar concert at McDiarmid Park, singing hits such as Crocodile Rock and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. This weekend, they saw another Elton dazzle before their eyes. Elton Kabangu, the January recruit from Hearts. The Belgian scored twice in a 2-1 away victory to see Hearts look towards the top six and European places. Putting aside last week’s disappointing home result to Rangers, where he failed to take his chances, he was a thorn in the Saints’ side throughout and put away two clinical finishes to take his toll up to six goals from seven games. Hearts boss Neil Crichtley told BBC Sport about his performance: “I’m delighted for Elton Kabangu to get two goals after his disappointment last week. He’s such a great personality to have at the training ground every day. I thought he was fantastic again.” The Saints are running out of games to turn things around, languishing six points adrift at the bottom of the table. Their manager, Simo Valakari, joined the club in October to do just that. With each passing game, that is looking increasingly less likely, and preparations for the Championship may lie ahead. Battle for top six Ross County is on an excellent run of form, with five wins from their last 9. Their only two defeats from that run came against the two Glasgow giants. They came from behind this weekend to beat Dundee 3-1. On the performance, Cowie told BBC Sport: “I was most pleased with how we responded to going behind, we were not spooked by it and deservedly got back in the game at 1-1. “We came out the traps flying after half-time and scored two goals. A fantastic win, and it keeps the momentum going.” The man from Inverness has given the Dingwall fans hope, as the club is only two points off the

February 24, 2025

Aberdeen go ten without a win as Motherwell triumph

Venue: Fir Park Date: 05/01/25 Time: 15:00pm Aberdeen’s recent woes continued as they fell to their 10th consecutive game without a victory, dropping into fourth and only four points ahead of Motherwell. Having been dominant throughout the first half, the home side were rewarded for their efforts when Ewan Wilson lashed home a ball the Dons had failed to clear. Desperately needing a result, Jimmy Thelin’s men did themselves no favours as Slobodan Rubezic reacted to Tony Watt’s provocations, making head contact to earn himself a straight red. Taking full advantage of the numerical advantage, Motherwell scored just two minutes later through Tawanda Maswanhise Motherwell could have opened the scoring sooner when Andy Halliday’s curling long ball found on the head of an oncoming Dan Casey who lifted his hands in disbelief after putting the effort wide. Similarly Aberdeen had chances of their own, Nicky Devlin leapt into the air to head in an corner but Aston Oxborough did ever so well to deny the Scotland international. Looking improved with ten men, the visitors continued to probe for an opener, Duk guilty of not setting himself correctly to put away a ball Topi Keskinen sent skimming across the turf. Leighton Clarkson came closest, his effort from distance beating Oxborough but rattling the crossbar and bouncing away. Late on Maswanhise saw his effort fly low past Kris Doohan’s left hand side but by then game looked over as Motherwell secured their first win in five. Attendance: 5,308 Line-Ups: Motherwell (3-4-2-1): A. Oxborough, D. Casey, L. Gordon (c), K. Balmer (P. McGinn 86’), E. Wilson, A. Halliday, D. Zdravkovski (T. Sparrow 78’), M. Kaleta, T. Watt (C. Slattery 86’), T. Maswanhise (S. Nicholson 78’), M. Ebiye (J. Vale 68’) Substitutes: S. Blaney, K. Hegyi, J. Koutroumbis, P. McGinn, S. Nicholson, S. O’Donnell, C. Slattery, T. Sparrow, J. Vale Aberdeen (4-3-3): R. Doohan, J. MacKenzie (J. McGarry 72’), A. MacDonald (L. Clarkson 46’), S. Rubezic, N. Devlin, G. Shinnie (c), S. Heltne Nilsen, A. Palaversa (P. Ambrose 80’), Duk, K. Nisbet (D. Polvara 46’), T. Keskinen (S. Morris 72’) Substitutes: P. Ambrose, F. Boyd, V. Enem, J. McGarry, J. McGrath, S. Morris, L. Clarkson, D. Polvara, T. Ritchie Referee: Nick Walsh

January 6, 2025

Aberdeen’s woes continue as Kilmarnock score four

Venue: Rugby Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 15:00 Aberdeen’s abysmal form continued as Kilmarnock made sure they returned north without a win in seven games. In the face of a difficult season, Kyle Vassell stepped up to open the scoring for the home side, meeting Fraser Murray’s cross but needing a second stab at the ball to get it over the line. David Watson surrounded by three Aberdeen defenders finished a Danny Armstrong cross to deflate Jimmy Thelin’s men. Substitute Innes Cameron put paid to the visitors’ hopes with a deft chip after Murray continued to dazzle for Derek McInes’ side. Bruce Anderson’s finish in added time ensured it would be an even longer trip back to Aberdeen, who should have no qualms about the final score. The signs were there from the off with the Dons looking unrecognisable from the side that had been neck and neck with Celtic just weeks ago, David Watson putting the first big chance of the game wide was the start of an onslaught. Duk made a goal line clearance to prevent Joe Wright from putting Killie ahead. Nicky Devlin had a chance for the visitors but could not put his attempt on target. Bobby Wales continued his breakout season with an impressive performance but his cross late in the first half was unfortunate to not find a target to prod in a second. Dimitar Mitov continued to show why he has been an inspired signing despite the poor run of form, a fantastic save keeping out Murray from distance. The Kilmarnock forward could have scored not long after his first but could not direct his shot goal bound. With three points in their pocket the home side moved to within five points of the play off places. Attendance: 6, 846 Line-ups: Kilmarnock: R. McCrorie, C. Ndaba, J. Wright, L. Mayo, B. Lyons, F. Murray (O. Bainbridge 89′), L. Polworth (K. Magennis 84′), D. Watson, D. Armstrong (L. Donnelly 84′), K. Vassell (c) (B. Anderson 84′), B. Wales (I. Cameron 84′) Substitutes: B. Anderson, O. Bainbridge, J. Burroughs, I. Cameron, L. Donnelly, G. Mackay-Steven, K. Magennis, R. McKenzie, K. O’Hara Aberdeen: D. Mitov, J. MacKenzie, A. MacDonald, S. Rubezic, N. Devlin, G. Shinnie (c) (K. Nisbet 68′), S. Heltne Nilsen (A. Palaversa 61′), T. Keskinen (L. Clarkson 60′), J. McGrath, Duk, P. Ambrose (S. Morris 61′) Substitutes: R. Doohan, J. McGarry, G. Molloy, S. Morris, K. Nisbet, L. Clarkson, A. Palaversa, D. Polvara, E. Sokler Referee: Calum Scott

December 26, 2024

Boyle on target as resurgent Hibs down Dons

Venue: Pittodrie Stadium Date: 21/12/24 Time: 15:00 Hibernian continued their impressive turnaround to pile further misery on Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen as they dropped to third behind Rangers, following a sixth game without a win. Topi Keskinen opened the scoring as the Dons dominated the opening stages of the game but an error from Rubezic allowed Martin Boyle to tee up Elie Youan to level the score just four minutes later. Keskinen was unlucky not to double his tally, first after a delicate Leighton Clarkson chip saw unable to untangle himself and finish and not long after when his curling shot from outside the box rattled the post. An unmarked Nicky Cadden lashed home a second for the visitors by the far post after a pinpoint cross from Boyle. Defensive mishaps were once again Aberdeen’s undoing in the second half, far too open in the midfield as Boyle, in yet another involvement, was on the end of a Nectarios Triantis pass into space for only his third goal of the season. The win sees David Gray’s side move of up to a season high eighth place. Attendance: 18,375 Line-ups: Aberdeen: R. Doohan, J. MacKenzie, G. Molloy, S. Rubezic, N. Devlin (S. Morris 77’), G. Shinnie (c) (A. Palaversa 77’), S. Heltne Nilsen (Duk 77’), T. Keskinen, L. Clarkson (D. Polvara 59’), J. McGrath, E. Sokler (P. Ambrose 59’) Substitutes: P. Ambrose, Duk, A. MacDonald, J. McGarry, S. Morris, K. Nisbet, A. Palaversa, D. Polvara, T. Ritchie Hibernian: J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora (L. Miller 51’), N. Cadden, J. Newell (c) (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 60’), N. Triantis, C. Cadden (J. Obita 88’), J. Campbell, E. Youan, M. Boyle Substitutes: L. Amos, J. Bursik, D. Gayle, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Referee: Steven McLean

December 22, 2024

St Johnstone draw extends Dons’ winless run to five

Aberdeen 1 – 1 St Johnstone Leighton Clarkson rescued a point as Aberdeen’s draw with St Johnstone saw them cede further ground to Celtic. St Johnstone raced to an early lead through Makenzie Kirk’s opener just five minutes in before Clarkson ensured the spoils were shared. The visitors impressed in difficult conditions, Adama Sidibeh denied a winner by an excellent Nicky Devlin block. Jimmy Thelin’s men have struggled in recent weeks and had few chances on the night. Substitute Duk providing the assist but unable to drive his side to the three points. Aberdeen are now winless in their past five games and with two games in hand, Rangers could narrow the five point gap between the sides. Attendance: 15,880 Line-ups: Aberdeen: R. Doohan, J. McGarry (N.Devlin 46′), G. Molloy, S. Rubezic, J. Milne (T. Keskinen 71′), S. Heltne Nilsen (A. Palaversa 46′), J. McGrath, L. Clarkson, S. Morris (Duk 46′), K. Nisbet (V. Besuijen 77′) Substitutes: P. Ambrose, V. Besuijen, N. Devlin, Duk, T. Keskinen, A. MacDonald, A. Palaversa, T. Ritchie, E. Sokler St Johnstone: J. Rae, D. Wright, K. Cameron, J. Sanders, L. Neilson, J. Holt, S. Sprangle, M. Smith (A. Sidibeh 63′), B. Kimpioka, N. Clark, M. Kirk (G. Carey 88′) Substitute: G. Carey, A. Essel, F. Franczak, D. Keltjens, M. Kucheriavyi, J. McPake, A. Sidibeh, R. Sinclair

December 7, 2024

Hibs and Dons share spoils in six goal thriller

Hibernian 3 – Aberdeen 3 Three goals in added time saw Hibs snatch a draw with Aberdeen in their thrilling Easter Road encounter, easing some of the pressure on David Gray. The Edinburgh side looked to have put this season’s woes behind when captain Joe Newell snuck his side ahead before half-time. But as the second half wore on, Gray would surely not have batted an eyelid if it had been revealed that he was in fact stuck in Groundhog Day as he watched his players let a lead slip yet again. Substitute Shayden Morris’ repeated darts to the byline finally saw his poorly cleared cross finished by Jack McGrath. As the home side began to crack under the weight of expectation and fear of history repeating itself Nicky Devlin’s attacking forays were rewarded, pouncing on Jordan Smith’s howler after the keeper’s mis-hit punch allowed the ball to land fortuitously at his feet. As time ticked by, the home side looked short of any ideas whilst Aberdeen looked set to bounce back in perfect fashion following their first defeat of the season against St. Mirren. That was until Nick Cadden’s thunderous free-kick in added time proved impossible for Dimitar Mitov to reach, levelling the scores with only four minutes to go. Morris was on hand to leave Hibs fans with their heads in their hands, as he once again beat his man to lob the ball into the box before Ester Sokler’s stunning overhead kick seemed to have sealed matters in the 95th minute. The footballing Gods must surely have taken pity on Hibs for the first time this season, granting centre-back Rocky Bushiri the energy to charge up the park mere moments later and initiate a counter-attack that he subsequently finish for the sixth goal of the evening. Despite the leveller, Hibernian remain at the bottom of the table, winless since September. Thelin’s strength in depth Jimmy Thelin has gone two consecutive games without a win for the first time this season. It is almost worth bringing out the world’s smallest violin for a side that looks almost unrecognisable from last season’s basket case. Part of what has made the Dons such an impressive outfit though, is the way the manager has been able to get the best out of his fringe players. Nisbet, Morris and Sokler are just some of the squad who have had to content themselves with appearing on a rotational basis or, in Morris’ case, are trusted to make an immediate impact from the bench. Yet this evening, they played with the verve and commitment of a trio who have fully bought into Thelin’s plans. With six games scheduled in December alone, there will no period more crucial than the upcoming winter for those who are not regular starters to come to step into the spotlight. Judging by tonight’s efforts, they are more than ready. Hibs show fighting spirit If accusations of a soft underbelly have plagued Hibernian, tonight’s performance showed just as much as fight as any team this season. Traditionally, David Gray’s side have become accustomed to being dealt killer blows in added time. Now, he will hope they have got a taste for handing them out. To score not one, but two goals so late on is hardly indicative of a team that has given up and certain individuals, such as the monumental Bushiri, can take a fair bit of credit for an impressive comeback. Others, like Jordan Smith, less so. There seems to be nothing the manager can do to fix things during games, which are starting to look an awful lot like an exercise in constantly putting out small fires everywhere. Despite the fact that they were unable to hold on to their lead and overtake Hearts in the table, fans will take solace in the side’s determination tonight. Line-ups: Hibernian: Smith, Iredale (Boyle, 84′), Bushiri, O’Hora, Cadden, Newell, Triantis (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, 75′), Miller, Hoilett (Campbell, 75′), Youan, Kuharevich (Gayle, 64′) Aberdeen: Mitov, MacKenzie, Molloy, Rubezic, Devlin (Milne, 83′), Heltne Nilsen, Shinnie, Duk (Sokler, 80), McGrath, Keskinen (Morris, 54′), Nisbet (Clarkson, 46′) Referee: Calum Scott Attendance: 15, 845

November 26, 2024

Aberdeen