5 things we learned from the Ladbrokes Premiership this weekend

18 December 2016 15:53

Celtic maintained their 11-point lead in the Ladbrokes Premiership while Ross County moved into the top six.

Here are five other things we learned from the weekend's action.

1. Ian Cathro's honeymoon period is over already

The 30-year-old Hearts head coach said he had learned nothing new about management in his first week in the job but he quickly realised Tynecastle can be an unforgiving place after his home debut ended amid a chorus of boos following an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Partick Thistle. He needs time to stamp his authority on his side but he will know now that fans are not always minded to be patient.

2. Leigh Griffiths is posing a serious challenge for the Celtic centre-forward spot

The Scotland striker's textbook curling free-kick broke the deadlock in Celtic's 2-1 victory over Dundee and delivered a blow to the visitors who thought they would see out the first half goalless. Griffiths has scored in three consecutive starts for the champions to take his tally for the season to 12 and has laid down the gauntlet to Moussa Dembele, whose form has dipped in recent weeks.

3. Martyn Waghorn is back on form

The Rangers forward marked his first start for nine weeks with his first two league goals since the opening day of the season. Waghorn had struggled to recapture his form following hamstring problems and saw Joe Garner preferred up front but he delivered a reminder of his ability to earn Rangers a 2-1 win at Hamilton.

4. Motherwell can take points off the top five teams

Or one point at least after earning a 1-1 draw against St Johnstone following six previous defeats against the sides that look destined to make up the bulk of the top six. They were given a helping hand by Zander Clark's own goal and failed to register a shot on target, but Saints also had some fortune with their equaliser when the ball rebounded in off Chris Kane.

5. Rangers have a strong grip on second place

Mark Warburton's side have all of a sudden given themselves a seven-point lead thanks to a hat-trick of victories over Hamilton and nearest rivals Aberdeen and Hearts. Aberdeen have a game in hand but their indifferent form continued with a 2-1 defeat by 10-man Ross County. The Dons have only taken four points from their last four matches.

Source: PA