Talking Points from Scottish Football

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

KENNY MCLEAN CONFIRMS ABERDEEN’S INTENTIONS

In modern Scottish Premiership football it’s rare for clubs – outside of Parkhead – to spend more than £100,000 during an entire transfer window, never mind on a single player. Gone are the days of big spending, when the likes of Aberdeen could break the £1million mark on players down south; these days it’s about finding a prospect or getting a good pre-contract agreement – ala Graeme Shinnie. Yet ‘Deadline Day’ in Scotland was rather exciting this year, with Celtic splashing out over £2million on Dundee United pair Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven, the Arabs then re-investing some of that by paying Kilmarnock £150,000 for Robbie Muirhead, and Hamilton losing Tony Andreu for £2million – a substantial fee for a player whose contract was coming to an end in the summer. Yet, perhaps the most surprising signing – and most infuriating for St Mirren fans – was the transfer of Kenny McLean to Aberdeen for £300,000.

The £300,000 spent on McLean has made Aberdeen’s intentions clear and demonstrates the belief the club have in Derek McInnes. The former St Mirren midfielder offers so much in attack: he adds goals, makes a nuisance of himself dribbling at defenders, and makes well-timed runs into the box. His signing also offers more depth to the squad. Depth is something that Aberdeen lack compared to Dundee United or Celtic, whose strength-in-depth has been important to them succeeding in all three domestic competitions and the Europa League.

The Hoops’ tight 2-1 win in Perth – read about it in the next talking point – extended their lead at the top of the Premiership to six points; in part thanks to a goal from Leigh Griffiths, who replaced John Guidetti after the loanee started the mid-week fixture against Partick Thistle. The result meant that Aberdeen needed to beat Hamilton to cut the sizeable gap (Celtic still have a game-in-hand and can re-extend their lead to six points).

The last time Aberdeen travelled back up north from Hamilton, the Dons had suffered a demoralising 3-0 loss. Since then, however, manager Alex Neil and top-scorer Tony Andreu have departed for Norwich, and lead striker Mickael Antoine-Curier has also left the club; Neil’s replacement, Martin Canning, has picked up a mere two points in six games since the change in management. It didn’t take long for Aberdeen to make sure that dismal run continues.

The Dons took the lead inside six minutes and added a second some 85 seconds later – Niall McGinn crucial in creating both opportunities.

Ziggy Gordon’s clumsy positioning pushed the Northern Irishman’s late cross at Michael McGovern, who clawed the ball off the line but could do little to stop Andrew Considine pouncing on the chance. The Dons defender smashed the ball from close range to send the visitors ahead.

Less than a minute-and-a-half later, McGinn contributed another brilliant cross; weighted and curling into the path of the charging Ryan Jack, Aberdeen’s box-to-box midfielder redirected the ball past McGovern for the second.

The Dons should have been three ahead before half-time, as Adam Rooney’s hard shot smacked off the underside of the crossbar and bounced over the line before McGovern pulled it back into his chest. The linesman, one second off the pace, judged that the ball hadn’t crossed. The Dons striker couldn’t hide his rage as the teams headed back inside for half-time.

Rooney could count himself especially unfortunate after the break: manhandled and tossed around the box by Jesus Garcia Tena, the referee opted to award a free-kick to the Hamilton defender. Tena got his just deserts minutes later, earning a second booking for a rash challenge and making the Accies’ task all the more challenging.

As the match passed the 75 minute mark Aberdeen made three quick changes, bringing on Willo Flood, Barry Robson and David Goodwillie. The latter should’ve had a goal minutes after his introduction, but the linesman again made a poor call: he flagged for offside despite it appearing that Eamonn Brophy was playing the substitute onside.

Despite the best efforts of the linesman, Aberdeen had done enough for a comfortable victory, and added a third in the 88^th minute. Considine, who caused the Accies numerous problems throughout the game, lofted a long pass ahead of McGinn, who knocked the ball in to reverse the score from Aberdeen’s visit to Hamilton in October.

ST JOHNSTONE’S DEFENCE CRUCIAL FOR TOP-SIX FINISH

It might be not surprising to learn that two of the three teams to have scored the fewest amount of goals in the league this season are St Mirren and Motherwell. It might, however, come as a surprise to learn that the third club, having scored just one more than the Saints, is 7^th place St Johnstone.

There’s little doubt that the summer departure of Stevie May, with all he brought to the Saints strike-force – including 20 league strikes – has affected their attacking threat. Michael O’Halloran, drifting inside from his natural left flank position, is the club’s top scorer, having notched seven goals; the combined efforts of Brian Graham, Steven MacLean and James McFadden has contributed a mere eight goals, including three penalties for the Dundee United loanee. While all three strikers, and Chris Kane, offer different advantages up-front, McDiarmid Park seems to be lacking an out-and-out goal-scorer. Yet, despite this, St Johnstone are seventh, and just a couple of points behind Dundee.

The reason for this is their experienced defence. St Johnstone possess the fourth-meanest back-line in the league, having conceded just 25 goals prior to Celtic’s arrival on Saturday afternoon. In fact, in just one of their ten league wins have the Saints won by more than one goal.

Four of those goals, however, had come in the last three matches, during which time St Johnstone have collected just two points. The return to form of Dundee meant that, as the Saints prepared to welcome the Bhoys, the Dees sat one point behind their Tayside rivals, and, thanks to a late goal from Paul McGowan, Dundee collected all three points against Partick. For the Saints to remain inside the top six, they needed to beat Celtic.

That became a more difficult task just 38 seconds into the match. The centre-back pairing of Anderson and Wright failed to stop Nir Biton’s long through ball, which sent Leigh Griffiths one-on-one with Alan Mannus. The Saints’ keeper had little chance of stopping the Celtic striker, who comfortably strolled into space and tucked the ball into the bottom-left corner.

The problem for St Johnstone came in creating chances from open play. The pace and movement of Virgil van Dijk and Jason Denayer made it difficult for the hosts to create genuine opportunities for Stephen MacLean, who started as the lone striker. Lee Croft, in particular, struggled to create space for crosses against the speed of Celtic’s back-line.

A similar chance to the opening goal almost doubled the visitors’ lead: Stefan Johansen’s cutting pass sliced open the St Johnstone defence, but this time Mannus was quick to his feet and he managed to block Griffiths’ direct effort. Minutes later and Mannus again denied the striker from close-range, pushing a hard shot out for a corner – the Saints defence, like their attack, couldn’t handle the pace and movement of the Hoops.

Minutes in the second-half St Johnstone opened up to let Johansen scored his fourth of the campaign. A simple header from Griffiths sent the midfielder through on goal and, with Anderson lacking the pace to keep up and Scobbie not getting enough behind his clearance, Johansen thumped his shot straight past Mannus.

With 20 minutes remaining St Johnstone capitalised on a rare defensive mistake from Celtic and reduced the deficit. A cross, taking a deflection, reached the near post and Chris Kane, who, from a yard out re-directed the ball towards Craig Gordon. However, the Celtic keeper couldn’t catch the ball and O’Halloran was quick to smash the rebound into the roof of the net.

The late goal injected some needed urgency and encouragement into their play, but Celtic continued to retain possession and Gordon pulled off some miraculous saves to keep the lead. He stopped a couple of blank-range efforts as the Celtic section of McDiarmid Park erupted into chants of ‘there’s only one Craig Gordon’. St Johnstone couldn’t break through and ended the afternoon in seventh place.

SPFL LEAGUE 1

FORFAR DEFENCE STRUGGLES AGAINST PACE IN AIRDRIE

It’s no secret that Forfar have a rather ‘experienced’ defence. The combined ages of their first choice goalkeeper, Rab Douglas, and the back-four that featured against Airdrieonians – Michael Travis, Darren Dods, Stuart Malcolm and Iain Campbell – is a staggering 169. There are obvious advantages of having a defence almost full of veterans – experience in certain situations, better decision making etc. – but there are also weaknesses.

A lack of pace for one; something United looked to capitalise on when Forfar visited the Excelsior on Saturday evening. The problems it caused for an aged Forfar defence were evident from the opening minutes.

Jim Lister, possessing that extra burst of pace, beat his marker on the right flank and cut a cross straight into the box, where Marc Fitzpatrick awaited. The Forfar defence positioned too deep, the Airdrie midfielder had acres of space, and he curled a first-time effort past the fingertips of Rab Douglas.

And as important as pace was in the opener, Airdrie’s movement for the second, some 15 minutes later, also caused Forfar huge problems.

Scott Fraser’s smooth back-pass eliminated the entire Forfar defence, sending Bryan Prunty through one-on-one with the keeper; Gavin Malin, in a desperate attempt to catch-up, tripped the Airdrie striker, conceded a penalty, and earned himself a straight red. Prunty hammered the ball into the top corner to send Airdrie clear.

As the half came to a close, the Diamonds exposed the Forfar defence with ease; putting through balls behind the defence, using long passes to move the ball from flank-to-flank, and testing Douglas on several occasions. If it wasn’t for some lax finishing and decent stops from Forfar’s veteran keeper, Airdrie would have had a three goal cushion.

The second-half continued as the first had ended. Forfar struggled to create chances and Airdrie threatened to add a third. It was a long time in the making, but in the 76^th minute Fraser increased the lead. Lister, again causing problems on the right, directed a cross straight at the feet of the midfielder, who wisely pulled the ball back – a Forfar defender slid in front of goal thinking Fraser would attempt a quick shot – and smashed the ball into the net.

Forfar’s attack had made little impact on the game prior to their goal in the 86^th minute – they registered just eight shots, compared to Airdrie’s 17 – and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the strike came from a set-piece situation. Stephen Husband’s free-kick stung the hands of Andrew McNeil, who pushed the ball back into the path of an onrushing crowd of players. In the midst of the confusion Michael Travis made the most of the chance and knocked the ball in from less than a yard out.

It wasn’t to be the beginning of an extraordinary comeback, however, as United let the match peter out to claim a deserved three points.

SPFL LEAGUE 2

DICKSON AND JULEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR EAST FIFE

As 2015 approached, no East Fife fan could claim to be pleased with the Fifers’ position in League 2. Gary Naysmith recruited well in the summer, and the elimination of League 1 Forfar in the Challenge Cup appeared to confirm that this side had all the makings of promotion favourites. Yet as 2014 came to an end East Fife lingered uncomfortably close to the relegation place, and promotion seemed a distance hope – a 5-1 thumping from Arbroath in their final game of the year highlighted the clear difference between the league leaders and pre-season favourites.

Yet, four games into 2015, East Fife sit 6^th in the table, five points behind fourth place Annan with a couple of matches in hand. For the first time this season, with eight points from four games, East Fife are the in-form team. How did this change come about?

The problem for East Fife this season has been goals; not scoring enough and conceding stupid ones at crucial times. The defence has been the team’s strong-point, with the fewest goals conceded outside the top three – quite amazing considering the five goals shipped against the Red Lichties – and the recruitment of former Athletic Bilbao youngster Julen – the stadium announcer at Bayview chooses not to pronounce his full Basque name – has further strengthened them at centre-back. He’s proving himself to be far better than League 2.

The other major signing has been that of Sean Dickson. The former Stenhousemuir winger was forced out of the Stirlingshire club days before Scott Booth left the club, and, like Julen, it’s clear he’s better than the fourth tier of Scottish football. But he just might be East Fife’s missing link. The Fifers have struggled to link midfield and attack for most of the season – strikers have often dropped deep to collect the ball, leaving themselves with too much to do and meaning East Fife lacked a presence in the box – and Dickson’s creation could solve that problem. He demonstrated as much against Montrose.

The hosts had created the better chances in the first half-an-hour – one shot rattled the post and Ross Campbell, having left Bayview less than a month ago, almost made a point as his effort dribbled just past the post – before Dickson opened his account for the Fifers. The former Stennie midfielder darted into the box to greet Fraser Mullen’s dipping cross, and outleapt Ross Graham to send a comfortable header into the bottom-right corner.

The visitors looked much more comfortable in the second-45 and soon extended their slender lead; Ross Brown nudging Nathan Austin’s knock-down header past Stuart McKenzie. Fraser Mullen’s long range effort in the 86^th secured all three points for the visitors. Ross Brown aimed his corner outside the box, where the East Fife right-back stood unmarked. His drilled 25-yarded slipped through the crowded box and into the bottom corner.

Points of the Week

SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP

RANGERS ARE YEARS FROM CHALLENGING FOR THE TITLE

On April 29 2012, Celtic ran out 3-0 victors against their Old Firm adversaries, Rangers – it would be their last meeting for almost three years. Few would have predicted the downfall that awaited Rangers, and that it would be over 1000 days before the Gers next tested themselves against their arch-rivals. Yet, in early November, Celtic and Rangers were drawn to meet in the semi-finals of the League Cup. Sunday’s game couldn’t have highlighted the staggering differences any more – both off-and-on the field.

Rangers entered the match sitting second in the Championship, 16 points behind Hearts, and with a manager who has already handed in his resignation – the second time that has happened to Rangers in the past couple of months. For most teams in difficulties, being relegated to the bottom tier of the league structure would offer them the chance to re-organise their club and build for a better future – Hearts being a perfect example, after their troubles last season. It has been the complete opposite at Ibrox.

Almost three years since their demise, Rangers are still no closer to sorting out their ownership troubles – that’s another story, and one that I’m not interested in writing about. But on the field things have also been a shambles. Ally McCoist must take the blame for some of this. Despite being in League 2 he opted to sign some of the best-of-the-rest players from the Scottish Premiership, luring the likes of Jon Daly and Ian Black to join their crusade – what wages must they be on if they rejected Premiership opportunities to join League 2 Rangers? Surely being in the bottom tier would’ve been the perfect chance to bring through some young talent; players who could develop at the club and be sold on in years to come? And yet, in the summer, McCoist re-signed Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd, who turned down Aberdeen, and whatever wages they were offering, to re-join Rangers. Both are in the latter stages of their career and neither has been able to replicate their old form. And to rub salt into the wounds, the club let Charlie Telfer join Dundee United on a free, where he’s started to push for a starting place, and sold their one young talent, Lewis Macleod, to Brentford for less than £1 million.

For Celtic the situation couldn’t be any more different. Having won the last three league titles, Ronny Deila looks set to secure the fourth – Aberdeen’s recent hiccup could prove decisive. The Bhoys are still in the Europa League, although they’ll be disappointed at not having reached the Champions League group stages – at least for the financial benefits – and the team have found their rhythm after an inconsistent start under Deila. Celtic have a game-plan on-and-off-the-field. It made them clear favourites for the derby.

Rangers, as underdogs, and with the 4-0 loss to Hibs still fresh in the mind, needed to reach half-time on level terms. The chances of that happening lasted less than ten minutes. Leigh Griffiths met Stefan Johansen’s curling cross, and, awarded too much space by his markers, the Celtic striker nodded the ball into the roof of the net. Hampden, or at least one half of it, erupted as Griffiths ran off in celebration – not one to shy away from controversy, he earned the first booking of the game for cupping his ear towards the Rangers section.

The situation went from bad to worse just after the 20 minute mark. Scott Brown fought for the ball, and, in the midst of the action, the ball was pushed back out into the path of Kris Commons, who directed a thunderous effort straight into the top corner. It could have been 3-0 minutes later had the referee chosen not to bring the game back for a Celtic free-kick, despite the fact that Griffiths had been sent one-on-one with the keeper.

As this stage it seemed that Celtic might go on to make it an embarrassing result for their rivals, but the Hoops seemed to settle for the two-goal cushion. What must have made it an even more frustrating afternoon for Gers supporters was their sides’ inability to threaten Celtic. Rangers lacked pace and creation, and often reverted to directionless long-balls down the field. While the result could’ve been much worse, the performance, and the current state of affairs, must have made it one of the depressing Old Firm games for Rangers fans in their illustrious history.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

STURRIDGE CRUCIAL TO LIVERPOOL’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPES

There’s still a glimmer of hope for Liverpool supporters dreaming of another season in the Champions League. Neither Manchester United, Arsenal nor Tottenham have grasped the chance to secure third place, and Southampton’s dogged resistance to slipping up has created the possibility that two of the three might miss out on Europe’s premier club competition – I discussed the possible ramifications for Arsenal and United in the last blog. At the time of writing – before Southampton’s match at home to Swansea – the Reds are just five points off third-place United, and four off the Saints, who have the game-in-hand. Quite impressive considering Liverpool had just 22 points from their first 17 games.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are the Premier League’s in-form team, having collected 16 points from their last six games, rocketing them up the table. It’s been quite the turn-around for Rodgers, whose role was coming under scrutiny as fans questioned whether they’d taken a huge back-step in the summer transfer market. But recent performances have been impressive: a three-at-the-back approach has looked solid, with just three goals conceded in those six games, and Emre Can has been particularly impressive outside of his usual role. And now, with 15 matches of the season remaining, Liverpool have another boost: Daniel Sturridge.

While Luis Suarez collected all the accolades for his dazzling performances and 31 league goals, Sturridge contributed almost as much to the team’s surprise title-push. The Englishman scored 21 – 24 in all competitions – meaning the duo recorded a combined 52 league goals all together. So, while Suarez departed for Barcelona, fans still had a proven goal-scorer in Sturridge – at least until he suffered a major injury just three games into the season.

Missing strikers of the combined calibre to notch 52 goals would be almost impossible situation for any manager to cope with. The misfiring Mario Balotelli came under increased pressure as a result, and neither Rickie Lambert nor Fabio Borini have demonstrated enough to warrant a starting place. In recent games Lazar Markovic, Raheem Sterling and Coutinho have started as the front-three, and although the trio are exciting, creative players, none of them has the lethal final touch of Sturridge. It means that the team that had scored 101 league goals last season, have just 33 after 23 games this campaign. It makes Sturridge’s return all the more important.

The Reds’ next four games are against Everton, Tottenham, Southampton and Manchester City, and Liverpool will need to be to pick up at least eight points to keep within touching distance of that desired Champions League place. It’ll help that Sturridge looks to have not missed a beat.

Liverpool already had a one-goal advantage over West Ham when Sturridge made his return in the 68^th minute. A short time later he linked up with Coutinho, who then pushed a return pass back to the striker. Sturridge, in an instant, knocked the ball towards goal, and then thumped a low shot past Adrian. Anfield celebrated as their returning striker performed his much-missed dance.

Points from the Weekend (All Scotland Edition)

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

ST JOHNSTONE V ABERDEEN

Aberdeen’s title challenge took another knock after a draw at McDiarmid Park on Friday night stopped them from returning to the summit of the Scottish Premiership table.

The result marks the Dons’ second consecutive draw, with Aberdeen being forced to pull-off a miraculous comeback against Dundee last week, and leaves Celtic at the top, on goal difference, with two games in hand.

St Johnstone picked up all three points against their opponents in the same fixture back in August, and it was the hosts who took the lead after a promising start.

Simon Lappin’s half-volley deservedly put the Saints ahead, and, with a mean St Johnstone defence offering little space for Aberdeen, it appeared that the visitors might leave McDiarmid Park empty handed.

But in the 57^th minute Adam Rooney scored a tremendous long-range effort to equalise, and, despite a thrilling final ten minutes, both sides had to settle for a point.

Neither side could boast a fully-fit first-team, as injuries forced a number of changes. Jonny Hayes, impressive in the central position during the Dons’ recent run of results, had to fill in at left-back, freeing up space for Willo Flood to make his return.

St Johnstone’s attacking options were also limited. The influential trio of Michael O’Halloran, James McFadden and Brian Graham were all either out or on the bench, leaving Chris Kane, back from a productive loan-spell at Dumbarton, to start as the lone-striker. Despite the long list of injuries, it was St Johnstone who had the better start.

The hosts bombarded the Dons’ defence for the opening ten minutes; refusing to let them settle and capitalising on the raucous atmosphere inside McDiarmid Park.

Kane tested Scott Brown’s reactions – the Aberdeen keeper was quick off his line to stop him making the most of a loose back-pass – and then had a curling effort that just ran past the far post.

David Wotherspoon then came close to opening the scoring for both teams. Finding himself on the edge of the box, he dummied his initial effort to create space and then unleashed a thunderous shot that refused to dip. Minutes later, he produced a lazy back-pass that almost sent Niall McGinn one-on-one with Alan Mannus – luckily for Wotherspoon, the St Johnstone keeper charged off his line and cleared the ball.

Aberdeen started to settle into the match but couldn’t create any clear chances, and in the 29^th minute Lappin sent St Johnstone into the lead.

A deep cross found Wotherspoon and Considine in the centre, and, although the Dons’ centre-back reached the ball first, his header landed at the feet of Lappin. The St Johnstone midfielder half-volleyed the ball from yards out, leaving Brown with no chance of pulling off a save.

The Dons piled on the pressure coming into half-time: McGinn had a hard shot, but directed it straight at Mannus; chaos caused by a free-kick almost resulted in the ball being snuck over the line; and, from the subsequent corner, David Goodwillie’s header bounced off the crossbar.

Lee Croft almost extended the slender lead one minute into the second-half, cutting inside and releasing a shot that beat Brown, but couldn’t beat the post.

The Dons pressed for an equaliser but the St Johnstone continued to keep things tight at the back – not that that stopped Adam Rooney in the 57^th minute.

The prolific striker latched onto a long-ball, darted into the centre, and, with two centre-backs in his path, released a thunderous shot that curled into the top corner.

The game then descended into an end-to-end battle as both sides looked to sneak a winner.

Perhaps feeling their title aspirations slipping through their fingers, the Dons increased the pressure, and Rooney and McGinn had good shots saved by Mannus. The St Johnstone stopped then pulled off another excellent save to deny Lawrence Shankland from claiming a late winner.

As the match entered added-time Brown had to pull off three excellent saves back-to-back, palming away an initial effort before blocking two close-range shots from O’Halloran.

McLean then missed the chance to seal the three points for the hosts as the clock ticked down. O’Halloran slipped a cross through the box, but the St Johnstone midfielder couldn’t make the vital touch.

INVERNESS GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS

John Hughes must see it as an advantageous situation that his Inverness team are out of the spotlight. With all eyes fixated on Aberdeen’s title challenge, it’s easy to forget that Caley Thistle are just one point behind their northern neighbours, and just four off league leaders Celtic – although the Bhoys do have a game in hand. In fact, Inverness are the Scottish Premiership’s in-form team at the moment, having picked up 15 points from their last five matches – one point more than the Dons have racked up in the same time. Yet, at the same time, their success has come at a cost.

Hughes has utilised the smallest group of players in the league – just 18 have made an appearance – and the defensive quintet of Dean Brill, Graeme Shinnie, Josh Meekings, Gary Warren and David Raven have started at least 22 of their 23 league matches. Yet it’s clear that in the summer Hughes has a rebuilding job on his hands. Shinnie, one of, if the not the, best left-backs in Scotland has attracted the attention of the likes of Aberdeen and clubs south of the border, and Billy Mackay, who’s found his scoring boots after an unproductive start to his campaign, is another target. Inverness have been quick to sign some of their other key players to longer contracts – midfielder Grey Tansey is tied down until 2017 – and one lure that could keep them at the Caledonian Stadium is the prospect of European football. That’s why it’s so important Hughes makes this season count.

Dundee United are in hot pursuit of the Highland club, trailing by just two points, and with just three European spots up for grabs, Hughes needs his team to keep on winning – just as they did at New Douglas Park on Saturday.

It was a familiar scoreline, as Inverness left Hamilton as 2-0 victors for the second time this season – they paid the promoted side a visit on the opening day of the season. Shinnie assisted the opener, his shot being saved but then pushed into the net by the unfortunate Grant Gillespie, before some tidy team-work set up Nick Ross for the second.

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

HIBS ARE A CONFIDENCE TEAM

I’d last visited Easter Road on the opening day of the season. On that cool, summer afternoon Hibs, despite beating Livingston 2-1, offered glimpses of the issues that had plagued them in the Premiership the season prior. Under Terry Butcher the Edinburgh club had developed a complex; appearing more nervous in winning positions than in losing ones. Their capitulation in the play-off final second-leg came as a result of this mind-set – entering the second-leg, a home-affair, after strolling to a comfortable 2-0 win at Hamilton, the Accies’ determination and momentum offered a stark contrast to Hibs’ big-match nerves, and after 120 minutes and penalties the home supporters filed out of Easter Road in silence.

The dire performances generated a strange atmosphere inside Easter Road during the latter-half of the 2013/14 campaign, so as I rocked up to Hibs’ stadium in the middle of August it made a nice change to feel optimism spreading around the stands. Within 19 minutes Hibs had taken a two-goal lead against a poor Livingston side, and it appeared that Alan Stubbs had injected some much needed vigour into the team’s style. But then a familiar problem slipped into Hibs game. The hosts allowed Livi to come back into the match, and Declan Gallagher punished them by reducing the deficit. And although Hibs escaped with all three points on that occasion, the second-half performance indicated that Stubbs hadn’t solved their main issue.

Hibs suffered four defeats in five matches after that opening encounter, and at the same time Hearts put their 2013/14 gloom behind them and began to dominate the league. The contrasting mentalities were evident: Hearts had closed their difficult chapter and appeared to focus on the positives; Hibs looked a cohesive unit but couldn’t shift the anxiety that crept into their game – the burden remained. The game after their defeat to Queen of the South, Alan Stubbs’ side travelled to Ibrox and dismantled Rangers 3-1, in a match that marked the true start of their season.

Including that result, Hibs have collected 30 points from their last 15 games, including successive draws against their Edinburgh rivals. I had the fortune of witnessing their last home game, and the change in atmosphere, both in the stadium and around the team, demonstrated progress.

Hibs had been frustrated the week before; leading 3-1 at half-time, the Edinburgh side gave Falkirk too much freedom and Peter Houston’s team left Easter Road with a point. Hibs weren’t feeling so generous when Cowdenbeath visited. Paul Hanlon headed in a corner to open the scoring before the ten minute mark, and Jason Cummings, for his 11^th league goal, extended the lead soon after. The home supporters had to wait another 50 minutes for Hibs’ third, as Scott Robertson scored a majestic, solo-effort. Late strikes from Callum Booth and Louis Stevenson rounded off a comfortable afternoon for Hibs.

As good as the performance was – and Hibs looked more dynamic than last season – the thing that stuck out from the game was their attitude. Alan Stubbs’ side needed that run of positive results to boost their confidence, and the Blue Brazil, even during the 50 minutes between the second and third goals, never appeared to threaten the hosts. Although the automatic promotion place is almost certainly out of their reach, if Hibs continue to perform as they did against the Fifers, I’d bet on them overcoming Rangers, or whoever they could face in the play-offs.

SCOTTISH LEAGUE 1

DUNFERMLINE LACK SPEED AND SPARK

It would be an understatement to say that it’s been a disappointing season thus far for Dunfermline. The Pars, understandably, finished second behind the Rangers juggernaut last season, and a lame display in the second-leg of the play-off final saw them lose out on a place in the Championship to Fife rivals Cowdenbeath. Dunfermline responded by luring the league’s best player to East End Park: top-scorer Michael Moffat arrived from Ayr United, having notched 26 league strikers in 32 starts. Jim Jefferies had one objective: achieve promotion. Yet as Morton, the league’s other full-time club, hosted them on Saturday evening, Jim Jefferies had long-since retired from the game and Dunfermline sat outside the play-off places.

Dunfermline have almost every advantage they need to reach the Championship – the larger fan-base, the full-time schedule, the lure of possible second-tier football – and yet they are falling way short of what should be an obtainable goal – why?

The blame must fall at the feet of Jefferies and his management team. He failed to build a cohesive unit and lacked the man-management skills to get the best out of the most talented squad in the division. Moffat is a prime example. The former Ayr striker has struggled to replicate his lethal form, scoring a mere four goals in league competition, and he appears a shadow of his former-self. He looks bereft of confidence, snatches at chances, and doesn’t suit Dunfermline’s style – Jefferies did nothing to alter this. It came as little surprise that after a particularly dire performance at Airdrie, Jefferies resigned – although the retirement did come out of the blue. John Potter was announced as his successor, but results, and performances, haven’t improved.

Under Potter the Pars have collected just three points, and, until he sorts out their attacking problems, Dunfermline are going to languish outside the top four. The Fife side have the meanest defence in the league by some margin, having conceded 22 goals, highlighting the point that their problem isn’t organisation, but spark. The Pars have scored just 30 times in the league – fewer than any of the teams above them – and have problems creating chances. That much was evident by their display against Morton.

Dunfermline had the better of the chances in the first-half: Moffat burst ahead of his marker but dragged his shot past the left post, and then pulled back a cross that couldn’t be directed on target. But neither side created many chances, and both relied on set-pieces for their better opportunities.

After a drab start to the second-half Morton took the lead. The Ton countered a Dunfermline corner, and Peter MacDonald released a through-ball ahead of Ross Caldwell. The Morton striker, in space, took one touch and then drilled a low shot through the legs of Ryan Scully.

Being 1-0 behind, a team boasting the quality of Dunfermline should be pushing for an equaliser. But the Pars lack invention, and they registered just one shot on target for the remainder of the game – an Andrew Barrowman header that forced a reactionary save from the Morton keeper – and just three during the 90 minutes.

Then with nine minutes remaining Morton extended their lead. Another quick counter-attack caught the Pars off-guard and, the roles reversed, Caldwell slipped a ball through for MacDonald to slide in.

The result leaves Dunfermline four points behind Brechin, who have a game in hand, and on equal points with 7^th place Peterhead, who have two games in hand. If results favour the Blue Toon The Pars could sink to 6^th – although it’s doubtful that 7^th place Airdrie will further their troubles and catch up.

Points from the Weekend

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

MALLAN MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Stephen Mallan introduced himself to the St Mirren faithful in spectacular fashion. With St Mirren already one ahead at Den’s Park the young midfielder made a successful tackle and started to push ahead. He evaded one challenge, dummied and dribbled past another – the Dundee player fell over – nutmegged a third man as he continued his run, turned inside, avoiding a tackle from the same man, and unleashed a curling shot into the bottom-right corner. The mesmerising goal earned him the instant attention of the manager and the supporters, and has been watched over 700,000 times on YouTube. Despite this, his goal on Saturday was his most important yet.

St Mirren and Ross County have been abject this season – there can be little argument – but with Motherwell still struggling, three points this weekend offered both teams not just the chance to escape the automatic-relegation place, but to also close the gap on the 10^th place Steelmen – a spot that guarantees Premiership competition next season. So, having suffered three defeats since Mallan’s strike helped sink Dundee, could St Mirren’s latest prospect make the difference once again?

Yoann Arquin, signed for the Saints after his release from the Highland club, pushed a long-ball into the path of Mallan. The SPFL Young Player of the Month for December knocked the ball past one defender, dribbled around a second, and drove a hard shot at Antonio Reguero. The County keeper, however, didn’t catch the ball and instead palmed it in the direction of Sean Kelly. The St Mirren left-back made a simple tap-in to send the Saints ahead.

St Mirren continued to push the hosts and came close to a second on a couple of occasions. Despite his move from Dingwall, Yoann Arquin made one last offering to his former club, kicking out at Lewis Toshney and earning himself a straight red. The Staggies began to impose themselves on the match, and Craig Curran should’ve sent the hosts ahead when he went one-on-one with Mark Ridgers; instead, he crumbled under the pressure – he had almost too much time – and tapped a tame effort straight at the St Mirren keeper. County finally made their numerical advantage count with eight minutes remaining. Liam Boyce met a flick-on and, untracked and unmarked, he headed the ball into the net from point-blank range.

But it wasn’t to be for Jim McIntyre’s men. First Ridgers pulled off a reactionary save to deny Jackson Irvine’s strong header, and then St Mirren punished County for poor defending. Kelly and Mallan reversed roles, with the 18-year-old diving low to send Kelly’s cross in for the crucial three points.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

THE BATTLE FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COMMENCES

The Premier League’s top four has become stagnant. The Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal have formed a reformed ‘big four’ in recent seasons, and their spending habits are in danger of cementing their positions long-term. It makes it all the more brilliant that Southampton are, while perhaps not in the long-term, but at least for this season, are threatening to upset the balance.

The Saints were not expected to be challenging for entry into Europe’s premier club competition. In fact, some ‘pundits’ thought Southampton would be scrapping for Premier League survival. The reasons for this have been documented – Ronald Koeman’s managerial skills and their success in the transfer market – and it’s helped that the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are not performing as they did last season. And the latter are one of the teams in danger of losing out on Champions League football altogether.

It could be argued that Arsenal need a seasons break from the Champions League. Arsene Wenger has spoken of finishing in the top four as a ‘trophy’ – something he’s achieved every season since the 1997/98 campaign – and it’s been a divisive statement among supporters. I’ve spoken to Arsenal fans disillusioned with football; uninspired with the aim of finishing fourth season-after-season and desperate for something more. Wenger’s statement almost confirms his belief that Premier League football is a business – which it’s difficult to argue against – and that the funds generated by entry into the Champions League is the prize. It’s a depressing outlook. But if Southampton take that third place, leaving one spot for several big clubs to fight for, the Gunners could be among those missing out. Would that signal the end of the Wenger era at the Emirates? He’s heard the calls for his resignation numerous times – often proving his critics wrong by reaching the Champions League again – and, by making his ‘fourth place is a trophy’ claim, he might have dug his own grave. Would the loyal supporters still outnumber those calling for his resignation? Would the board be happy without the extra money? Would the players settle for second-rate European competition? Those questions could also be asked of Louis van Gaal at the end of this season.

After Manchester United’s defeat at home to Southampton last weekend, sending Koeman’s side third at their expense, the pressure has started to mount on van Gaal. After spending £150 million in the transfer market, Champions League football should be the aim – at the bare minimum. While the Red Devils are fourth, like Southampton, they’ve benefitted from Liverpool’s struggles and Arsenal’s inconsistencies. That won’t matter at the end of the season – as long as they finish in the top four. It was noted last week that United had the same amount of points from the same number of games as they did under the much-derided David Moyes last season. While van Gaal benefits from better press and from his world class reputation, the Scotsman lacked the £150 million that the Dutchman had to spend. Van Gaal also came under fire this weekend. His stubborn dedication to the 3-5-2 has cost United points this season, and almost did on Saturday. Only with his half-time change to a more traditional 4-4-2 were the visitors able to beat a relegation-threatened QPR. So with some fans already frustrated with his methods, would he be able to survive a season outside the Champions League? Arsenal are just one point behind, putting on the pressure, and they are not the only ones.

Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool and three, four and five points off United respectively. None of these three sides are expected to challenge, but that doesn’t mean they won’t – or at least affect the outcome. Spurs had a sluggish start under Mauricio Pochettino but have improved, although they are pushing their luck with tight wins at the moment, and have quietly snuck up on the Champions League places. West Ham have had a great campaign so far and, although it’s easy to write them off, they still haven’t fallen away yet. Liverpool had a dreadful start but have improved – they have picked up 14 points from their last six matches – and the return of Daniel Sturridge could be just the boost they need to made one last ditch run for a second-consecutive season in the Champions League. Brendan Rodgers’ job could depend on it.

All six teams won at the weekend – Arsenal’s surprise victory at the Etihad being the pick of the bunch – but there’s still 16 games remaining for all the clubs involved. The race for the Champions League has started.

Points from the Weekend

PREMIER LEAGUE

MATCH OF THE WEEK: MANCHESTER UNITED 0-1 SOUTHAMPTON

A Dusan Tadic goal helped Southampton record their first victory at Old Trafford since 1988, sending the Saints third in the Premier League table.

The Serbian substitute had an almost immediate impact, creating a clear chance for Graziano Pelle, which the striker sent crashing into the post, and then redirecting the rebound past David de Gea.

The result means United have the same amount of points at the same stage of the season as they did under David Moyes last season.

With Arsenal one point behind the Red Devils, and Tottenham also in the chase, the pressure is mounting on Louis van Gaal to secure Champions League football after his summer spending spree.

Southampton had an energetic start, pressing United back into a defensive position and exploiting the gaps on the flanks. Nathaniel Clyne, going up against his former compatriot Luke Shaw on the right-side, found enough space for a shot but couldn’t direct it on target.

After a rough start United started to settle, dictating the tempo and biding their time for an opening. However, the Saints offered a stout resistance, and the home side resorted to long balls to test the Premier League’s most resilient back-line this season – Southampton have conceded just 15 goals.

With both teams keeping things tight at the back the tempo dropped. United began to dominate possession and started to find more success using their pace, stopping Southampton from retreating and defending in numbers. This forced Saints to remain deep, meaning the game became a drab spectacle: United couldn’t penetrate the Southampton defence and Southampton couldn’t push into the United half.

As the first-half came to an end, Angel di Maria summed it all up. He raced ahead, but realising options were slim he opted to unleash a furious long-range shot at the hoardings – it meant neither side had had a single shot-on-target.

The start to the second-half mirrored events in the first: Southampton threatened from the opening minute but didn’t capitalise on their chances, and, after five minutes, United settled and started to control possession.

As the match passed the 60 minute mark Ronald Koeman’s side looked a little more dangerous than in the first-half. Both managers then made possible game-changing substitutions: van Persie, who looked isolated up front, came off for Ander Herrera – pushing Wayne Rooney into a more attacking role – and Dusan Tadic came on for debutant Eljero Elia. Luke Shaw, after a disappointing display against his former side, was replaced by Tyler Blackett.

And one of the substitutions did have the desired impact. Surrounded by red shirts, Tadic slipped a through ball out to the unmarked Graziano Pelle. The Italian striker slammed a thunderous effort at the post but the rebound rolled out to Tadic, and he directed it into the empty net.

Old Trafford tried to spur the home side on but Juan Mata wasted United’s best chances to equalise.

For the first he missed an almost open goal – Forster was on the ground after botching a clearance – from yards out, sending his shot across the face of the goal. Then, minutes later, he timed a run to perfection and met a curling cross as it reached the six-yard-box at ground level. Mata turned his foot to re-direct the ball but sent it over the crossbar. For the third he stood on the edge of the box and met a pulled back pass – again he sent his first-time shot wide of the mark.

With minutes remaining Pelle had a chance to cement Southampton’s three points, but, perhaps not realising he had his marker beaten, rushed his chance and sent it wide.

The announcement of five minutes being added-on earned a frustrated reaction from the Southampton section of the support. Would Louis van Gaal’s side have a ‘Fergie Time’ finish? No. The Saints held out for a crucial three points.

PARDEW MUST MAKE SELHURST A FORTRESS AGAIN

After a tense final ten minutes, Selhurst Park erupted in celebration. Crystal Palace, under the guidance of Alan Pardew, escaped the relegation zone and leapt up to 15^th in the table. Selhurst had lost its spark during Neil Warnock’s short tenure at Palace; something that had been such a feature as Tony Pulis guided the club to safety last season. But that energy returned against Tottenham, and it’s crucial that Pardew, although he’s kept Palace out of the bottom three for at least a week – QPR, second from bottom, are one point behind – makes use of the atmosphere, and the performances it helps generate.

Pulis, this weekend doing the same job for West Bromich Albion as he did at Selhurst, made Palace’s stadium a formidable ground after his arrival. From the 13 Premier League home games he managed Palace in last season Palace picked up an impressive 23 points – about 1.8 points-per-game. It included the memorable comeback against Liverpool, driving the nail in the Reds’ title campaign, and a tight 1-0 win over Chelsea. Only four teams escaped with the three points: both Manchester clubs, Southampton, and Pardew’s Newcastle.

Compare that to Warnock’s run. The former Sheffield United manager had nine Premier League home matches in charge and mustered a mere eight points – less than a point-per-game. In those nine games Palace notched ten goals, including three against Liverpool, and, mixed with dreary performances and a presence in the relegation zone, it’s obvious why the supporters started to lose faith and quieten, and why a managerial change was needed. Not that the change seemed to make much difference in the opening 20 minutes against Spurs.

There had been little for the home support to cheer. Tottenham had dictated the early stages of the match – Palace had a mere 25% possession – and came within inches of taking the lead: some smart passes cut through the Palace defence and found Christian Eriksen in the centre of the box. The Dane couldn’t handle the pace of the pass and his shot slid past the post.

Over the next 20 minutes Selhurst Park began to warm up: Palace looked comfortable in possession and opportunities started to arise. Martin Kelly, putting on a fine defensive display, began Palace’s best chance on the 35 minute mark. The former Liverpool right-back, operating on the left against Spurs, refused to lose the ball and found James McArthur, who sent an immediate through-ball past the Tottenham defence. Glen Murray found himself one-on-one with the imposing Hugo Lloris, but the Frenchman charged off his line and the shot bounced off the under-side of Lloris’s right arm and bounced out for a corner.

The optimism that had been built in the first-half, and that had continued during the opening moments of the second, was silenced soon after kick-off. Spurs had struggled to create chances, but, as has been the case numerous times this season, Harry Kane created one for himself. The striker, with little space, found the bottom corner from a difficult angle and sent Spurs ahead. But Palace heads didn’t drop.

The Eagles pushed, having 12 shots – just three on target though – compared to Tottenham’s five, and started to control the pace of the game. Pardew, to his credit, also changed the game with some changes: Adlene Guedioura offered some spark in midfield and Wilfred Zaha wreaked havoc on the left-flank.

Then came the moment Selhurst Park had been waiting for. Benjamin Stambouli tripped Joe Ledley, and the referee pointed to the spot. Dwight Gayle didn’t let the tension build, smacking a hard penalty into the bottom corner.

Then, minutes after being denied a second spot-kick – Walker could count himself fortunate after raising his arm to block a cross – Zaha zipped past a couple of Spurs defenders and found Jason Puncheon inside the box. The winger hit a first-time shot past Lloris and Selhurst bounced once more.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

ALEX HARRIS SWAP PAYS OFF FOR DUNDEE

It’s been a quiet start to the transfer window in Scotland, with perhaps the biggest signing so far being Simon Murray’s £50,000 transfer to Dundee United – although he’ll remain in Arbroath on-loan until the end of the season. The Lichties’ striker has been in clinical form this season, notching 14 goals in 13 League 2 starts and playing a pivotal role in Arbroath’s four point lead at the top of the table.

The other, more surprising, major signing – or signings – is Alex Harris’s loan to Dundee, which saw striker Martin Boyle being sent in the opposite direction. It might come as a surprise due to the fact that Harris has been a bit-part player at Easter Road this season. He made four starts – and eight substitute appearances – before departing for Den’s Park. So why did Dundee make the move?

Dundee have set-up in a 4-2-3-1 for most of the season, with David Clarkson as the lone striker and Greg Stewart as the man cutting in from the left – Gary Harkins and Paul McGowan have also fitted into the system. But two things the Dees have lacked are width and pace; both things Harris offers. He made his debut against Motherwell on Saturday, making an immediate impact.

Just three minutes into the match Harris latched onto a pass from McGowan, turned inside – running at the Steelmen’s nervous defence – and unleashed a hard shot that bounced off Mark O’Brien and into the net.

Five minutes later Dundee added a second – Stewart getting his ninth league goal after his first shot hit the crossbar – before the visitors reduced the deficit. John Sutton beat Iain Davidson to a cross – the centre-back pairing of Davidson and new signing Kostadin Gadzhalov came in to replace the out-of-form Konrad and McPake – and turned the ball past Scott Bain. Gary Irvine capitalised on Dan Twardzik dropping a corner, sliding the ball into the empty net. O’Brien then rounded off his dreadful game by running into his own keeper and conceding the fourth.

Harris had three other great chances during the game and his pace injected some energy into the sometimes sluggish Dundee attack. It’ll be interesting to see how he’ll effect the Dundee attack in weeks to come.

IS THERE LIFE AFTER NEIL FOR HAMILTON?

Scottish clubs are suspicious of success. It can bring honours, funds, fans – it also brings attention. No club outside of the Old Firm can afford to challenge either Rangers or Celtic, or English clubs, in wages or the chance to further one’s career, and there are numerous examples of good teams who’ve had their stars poached. Hamilton have rocketed up the league, including a brief period in peak position, and although the Accies have been unable to rediscover their consistent form, there must still be the nagging question at the back of their fan’s minds: how long can we keep our best players?

Tony Andreu, arguably the front-runner for Player of the Year thus far, and current league top-scorer, must be attracting the attention of some Championship clubs. There’s also the issue of contracts coming to an end, which is the case for most of the Accies’ first-teamers. So as the winter transfer window swung open, it must have come as a surprise to Hamilton fans that the first player to be poached from their squad wasn’t picked for his performances on the pitch, but rather those off it.

Last week Norwich announced the capture of Hamilton player-manager Alex Neil. It landed like a punch to the gut. Under Neil Hamilton reached the Scottish Premiership in entertaining fashion and demolished pre-season expectations that they would sink and return to the Championship the first time of asking. Good players can be replaced; can the manager?

Hamilton are a team that like to build from the inside – Neil was promoted to the first-team managers role after working as the assistant to Billy Reid – so it came as no surprise to hear defender Martin Canning, who has been working with Hamilton’s development side – they are currently at the top of the development division – would be filling in in the short-term. He certainly had the support of the home fans as Dundee United visited New Douglas Park.

It had been a quiet 35 minutes, and neither team could some to unlock the other’s defence. But as the ball came to Stuart Armstrong, 30-yards-out from goal, space opened up and he unleashed a thunderous drive. Michael McGovern dived, his fingers skimming the spinning ball, but he couldn’t get enough purchase to stop the effort.

The stadium announcer hadn’t even finished confirming the half-time change for Hamilton as Gary Mackay-Steven extended United’s lead. He capitalised on Grant Gillespie’s ball-watching – he slipped in as left-back after the change – and came inside for an easy strike.

Canning’s self-imposed exclusion from the side meant Spanish defender Jesus Garcia Tena filled in at centre-back after a recent spell on the bench. Tena repaid the choice by reducing the deficit with a curling, fast free-kick that gave Radoslaw Cierzniak.

13 minutes later and Ali Crawford levelled the score. Andreu released a well-timed through ball that cut out the United defence and sent Crawford one-on-one with Cierzniak. The Polish keeper reacted quickly, but could only block the first shot – the ball took a favourable bounce back towards Crawford and he lofted it back into the empty net.

But any hopes of an amazing comeback ended in the 77^th minute, as Sean Dillon, offered too much space by the Accies, used his strength to header Chris Erskine’s corner into the roof of the net.

McGovern pulled off some excellent saves to deny Armstrong, Erskine and Nadir Ciftci, but Cierzniak also stopped a thunderous free-kick hit by Crawford – United escaped from New Douglas Park with all three points.

Hamilton, although they’ll be disappointed having not picked up a point after such a dramatic turn-around, had much to take from that second-half performance. The Accies aim for this season should be a top-six finish – they are currently fourth – and under Canning I’m confident they’ll easily achieve that.

Points from the Weekend

LA LIGA

Match of the Week: Real Sociedad 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

Real Sociedad had to settle for a point in the Basque derby as Athletic Bilbao held out after being reduced to ten-men.

Carlos Vela put the hosts ahead after just three minutes before a second-half strike from Oscar de Marcos levelled things.

Aymeric Laporte saw red for a second bookable offence leading into the final ten minutes but Sociedad didn’t do enough to trouble a determined Bilbao defence.

The clash lacked its usual intensity; perhaps due to the sides’ mid-table positions and poor form leading into the fixture.

David Moyes’ positive start to his time at the Anoeta came to a crashing climax against Villarreal last weekend – the Yellow Submarine thumped Sociedad 4-0. At the same time Athletic handed Cordoba their first La Liga win since 1972, adding more fuel to the belief that the team are over-reliant on Aritz Aduriz.

Both sides needed three points: Athletic to close the gap on the top-four after an inconsistent start and Sociedad in order to escape a relegation battle. And it was the latter who looked the more likely to achieve their aim based after the opening minutes.

A mere three minutes in and the Anoeta erupted.

Carlos Martinez’s cross found Alfreo Finnbogason but the under-pressure Icelandic striker couldn’t direct his header. Gonzalo Castro collected the ball and dipped a short cross into the box, reaching Vela as he dashed through the Bilbao defence. Gorka Iraizoz struggled to stop the close-range header and it slipped over the line.

Both teams had chances to score from headers. A deep cross from Athletic found Aduriz and Mikel San Jose unmarked in the box – both tried to head the ball and as a result it ended up running out for a goal-kick. Sociedad’s effort came from an unlikely source: Inigo Martinez found himself in space to meet a corner but his header was a real defender’s effort.

Finnbogason has had a hard time finding the form that made him one of the Eredivisie’s most dangerous marksmen last season. For the second time he reached a good cross from Carlos Martinez, and for a second time he couldn’t direct his header at the Bilbao goal.

There were also signs of defensive problems for both teams. Enaut Zukibarai flapped at more than one cross and dropped to the grass holding his face in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure on his goal. At the other end the Bilbao defence didn’t do enough to stop Sociedad making dangerous passes – Iraizoz came to their aid a number of times.

The opening 35 minutes had been a tepid affair: shots on target had been limited and both sides looked eager to keep things careful at the back rather than taking risks. It made for a quietened atmosphere.

Vela seemed the one attacker determined to make something happen. In the 37^th minute the Mexican darted past four Bilbao players, refusing to concede possession, and forced a decent save from the keeper. His brilliant performance – at times lighting up a tedious game – continued his return to form. The change in manager seems to have had an effect on him in particular.

Athletic had the more promising start to the second-half. A free-kick caused chaos inside the Sociedad box as the home defence failed to clear the ball. Iker Muniain tried to capitalise but he blasted his shot out for a goal-kick.

Despite Athletic’s dominance of possession after the restart, the visitors forged few chances. Aduriz looked isolated as the lone-striker and the Sociedad defence used their numerical advantage to limit his space on the odd occasion he found himself on the ball.

Sociedad almost doubled their slender lead on the counter-attack. Xabi Prieto spearheaded the charge and found Castro, who curled a cross into the box. San Jose did an excellent job marking Finnbogason – he tracked him during his entire run through the Bilbao half – and put enough pressure on the striker to force a goal-kick.

Athletic’s start to the second-half eventually provided dividends. Markel Susaeta delivered a beautiful cross that curled over the defence and reached the far-post. De Marcos took the scenic route into the box but took just one touch as he hammered the ball straight into the roof of the net.

The equaliser seemed to quieten the match again as both teams kept things tight. Sociedad started to push for a lead with 15 minutes remaining, and Finnbogason forced a quick save from Iraizoz.

Sociedad then found an extra incentive to heave on the pressure. Laporte earned a second booking and Bilbao started to defend in numbers to battle a Sociedad attack desperate for three points.

The energy inside the Anoeta picked up as the supporters urged their team to snatch a late winner. Sergio Canales almost did: his free-kick refused to dip and bounced off the crossbar. He had another chance in the final moments of time added-on but directed his shot straight at the keeper. Sociedad couldn’t find the late goal.

Defence is crucial for Almeria to stop relegation battle

Juan Ignacio Martinez has a challenge on his hands. Francisco’s time in charge at Almeria ended during the week; the result of a win-less streak in La Liga stretching back to late September – eight matches and just a couple of points gained – and a 5-2 humbling from Eibar. The result left Almeria in 17^th, on equal points with the three teams in the relegation zone – the perfect time to welcome Real Madrid.

You wouldn’t need to be Nostradamus to predict the result – Los Blancos ran out 4-1 victors – but Martinez, as prepares to take charge of the team, will have seen enough signs to suggest that Almeria’s relegation isn’t guaranteed.

Madrid have steam-rolled team-after-team during their 20-match winning streak. But despite the scoreline suggesting the sort of dominant performance we’ve come to expect from Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Almeria put up a more resolute defence than most teams.

Almeria began at a high-tempo and Sebastian Dubarbier had a decent chance to put the hosts ahead – he hesitated and settled for a corner. Madrid soon settled and found their usual rhythm.

The hosts remained solid in defence and Los Blancos seemed disjointed up-front: Ronaldo was anonymous for large periods of the match, Benzema didn’t put himself in good positions, and Bale kept over-hitting his crosses and missing his chances. But the league leaders possess talent all over the pitch and Isco demonstrated that just after the half-hour mark.

The versatile midfielder cut inside and curled a delicious ball straight into the top corner. Another moment of Real creating something from nothing. But Almeria didn’t go into defence mode: the hosts struck back.

An amazing strike can often be defined by the reaction it generates from the supporters. About one second after Verza’s thunderous effort bounced off the inside of the netting, the sound of shock and disbelief echoed around the stadium. Iker Casillas had no chance, and Almeria found themselves on equal terms with the league leaders.

But the spell of scoring still hadn’t ended. Bale reached Toni Kroos’s short cross and tucked an accurate header into the bottom corner from range.

With 30 minutes remaining Verza had the chance to equalise for a second-time. Marcelo conceded a penalty – he should have earned a second booking – and the Almeria midfielder had the chance to possibly end Real’s streak. The shot, however, was tame. Casillas oozed confidence as he pushed the ball out of the box.

Almeria pushed for an equaliser but like Real seem to keep winning, Ronaldo seems to keep scoring. He latched onto Benzema’s pass and directed the ball into the net. A second came soon after. Dani Carvajal completed an excellent solo-run and pulled the ball back for Ronaldo to tap-in. He’s on 25 in La Liga.

The result sent Almeria into the relegation places on goal-difference. If Elche defeat or pick up a point against Deportivo they’ll reach the bottom of the league table. But if Martinez can keep Almeria defending well and make them continue to trouble defences, there is hope that Almeria aren’t destined for a season in the Segunda.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

Is John Hughes about to shake things up?

Inverness’s undefeated streak at home came to an end on Saturday, as Partick Thistle – the same team that ended their unbeaten start to the season in September – cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win.

Graeme Shinnie had a tough game as Partick focused their attacks on his area. In the 12^th minute some quick passes put Christie Elliot past the left-back and gave him the space to cut a cross straight into the box. The Inverness defence failed to stop the onrushing Ryan Stevenson from running in and sliding to push the ball past a furious Dean Brill.

The veteran striker added his second before the half-time mark. A quick counter-attack caught out the sleeping Inverness defence – Josh Meekings was the only one offering any cover – and Gary Fraser and Stevenson soon outnumbered the lone defender. Stevenson trapped a quick pass from Fraser and hit a first-time shot into the top-corner just a millisecond before Shinnie charged across his path.

Brill pulled off a couple of excellent saves to stop Partick extending their lead before Fraser and Stevenson alternated roles – the latter making the assist. He found space on the right-flank and directed a perfect cross into the box. David Raven offered Fraser too much space and the attacking midfielder made a simple header to add Partick’s third.

The fourth and final goal was the only one not to involve Stevenson. Stuart Bannigan’s corner found Conrad Balatoni and the centre-back had an easy time outmuscling Meekings and heading past an outstretched Brill.

John Hughes suggested after the match that perhaps he’d been too loyal to certain players. It’s not that surprising a comment due to the fact that Inverness have used only five defenders in the league this season: Raven and Shinnie have featured in all 16 games in the RB/LB positions and Meekings has been ever-present at centre-back; Warren missed just one match and that handed Carl Tremarco his single start in the league. Even the centre-midfield pairing of Ross Draper and Grey Tansey has featured in every league match this season. Hughes has kept a familiar team in a familiar shape.

This has an obvious advantage: the team know each other and are the best in their respective positions. It’s difficult to know if this has been a big reason behind their great season so far – the Jags are still second in the table – but it must have certainly helped. It’s clear that Inverness have a smaller team that most and Hughes has done well using the tools at his disposal – especially after he came under criticism for not signing a single player during the summer. And there’s also the point that the changes could back-fire. What if the new player doesn’t settle in the side and disrupts a balanced unit? Might the replaced player lose confidence after being dropped? It’s a difficult decision for Hughes – perhaps his first major challenge of the season – but changes might need to be made.

Dundee United defence needs to tighten up

Dundee United never looked like taking all three points in the ‘New Firm’ derby. On the rare occasion the Arabs penetrated the Aberdeen box the Dons defence kept tight and offered little space for movement. Such solid defending limited United to just one shot on target over the 90 minutes. And while the Dons had just one more shot than their opponents, Derek McInnes’s men made their chances count.

Niall McGinn’s inviting free-kick found David Goodwillie unmarked and ahead of the group. The former United striker’s darting header had pace but it was directed straight at Cierzniak. The Polish stopper palmed the ball rather than catching it and Adam Rooney capitalised on the error to put the visiting side ahead.

The entire United defence could be criticised for the second. Jonny Hayes’ looping cross caught out the sleeping back-line and found Peter Pawlett, who tapped the ball into the path of Andrew Considine as he reached the touch-line. As the move was taking place four United defenders surrounded Pawlett and left Considine with enough space to pick out Rooney at the other side of the box. Cierzniak can’t be blamed for attempting to close the space on Considine but the defence reacted so slowly as the ball trundled through to the striker. Rooney found himself unmarked and directed the ball into the empty net.

Both goals came from either poor defending or an error from the keeper. And these sort of defensive performances are becoming a problem for Jackie McNamara’s side – the same issues almost cost them a three goal lead against Ross County last weekend.

In that match John Souttar botched a clearance and the ball found Yoann Arquin in the box. Despite a terrible first-touch and three defenders closing him down Arquin still found enough room to curl a quick shot past Cierzniak. A second could have come minutes later as the keeper charged out of his net and tried to challenge the County striker. Arquin could have hit the deck for a penalty – and it’s likely he would have been sent off – but he stayed up and Paul Paton had to be at his best to stop a goal. In the final moments of the game Arquin again found enough space to add another. Luckily for United, County’s resurgence came too late and they held out for three points.

If United are to challenge for second place – Inverness are ahead and Aberdeen are level at the moment – McNamara desperately needs to re-organise his defence, otherwise it could be enough 3^rd or 4^th place finish for the Arabs. And with in-form Celtic visiting Tannadice next weekend, United could be in for a hammering.

Points from the Weekend

QUICK NOTE: A shortened version this week because of the Scottish Cup, and because the Almeria/Rayo game I planned on viewing wasn’t on TV for some reason. All things back to normal next weekend.

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MATCH OF THE WEEK: VALENCIA 0-1 BARCELONA

A 93^rd minute strike from Sergio Busquets earned a determined three points for Barcelona, who keep within touching distance of league-leaders Real Madrid.

Both teams put in dedicated performances and Valencia, in particular, missed numerous chances to take the lead before Barcelona’s late corner.

Diego Alves pulled off a brilliant reflex save to stop Neymar’s close range header – both he and his Barca counter-part were in top-form throughout – but couldn’t do anything as Busquets smashed in the rebound.

A controversial offside decision almost cost Barca crucial points, as the linesman chalked off Luis Suarez’s tap-in earlier in the match.

The Catalan club, although unlucky with that decision, could count themselves fortunate to reach half-time with eleven players on the pitch. An ever-so-slight headbutt by Neymar, which sent Nicolas Otamendi crashing to the grass, is the sort of action which has earned quick dismissals in the past.

The match began at a furious tempo – no surprise considering their unique rivalry – as late challenges and dangerous tackles started being traded. Chances were rare; tackles were not.

Jeremy Mathieu marked his return to the Mestalla by earning the first card of the match: an ill-timed slide cutting through Antonio Barragan.

The first shot on target came from Rodrigo, as he cut inside from the left and thumped an effort straight at Claudio Bravo.

Suarez almost sent Barcelona into the lead minutes later. A brilliant raking pass found Neymar in the box, the Brazilian pushed the ball back into the path of the onrushing Suarez, and the Uruguayan had a free-shot at goal from yards out. Diego Alves pulled off a magnificent reflex save, pushing the ball over the crossbar and denying Suarez his first league strike.

Tensions then began to boil over. Lionel Messi completed one of his tantalising dribbles through the centre of midfield and released a through-ball to put Neymar in a great position. A tremendous last-ditch challenge from Otamendi pushed the ball out for a corner – the action didn’t end there.

The Los Che defender, believing Neymar over-reacted, put his head near his fallen-opponent’s. The Barcelona striker didn’t react but ever-so-slightly knocked Otamendi – the excuse the imposing, 6ft 2inch German defender needed to hit the grass. Three cards ended up being handed out during the ensuing chaos: none to the men involved in the incident.

The match remained quiet until the final seconds of the first-half. A swift counter-attack and a through ball found Andre Gomes in front of Bravo. The attacking midfielder dragged the ball around the keeper, but didn’t have enough space and his shot slammed into the side-netting. Nuno remained huddled-over, head in his hands, as the referee called for the break.

Suarez had a fantastic chance in the 57^th minute, troubling the usually-reliable duo of Shkodran Mustafi and Otamendi and luring Alves out his six-yard-box. The Uruguayan rushed and left himself in a tight angle, and his shot bounced off the netting. Had he taken more time, it would have been advantage Barcelona.

Suarez thought he’d opened his league account after some indecisive defending from the hosts. A blocked effort led to some chaos inside the box, and the ball landed at the feet of the unmarked former Liverpool striker. Suarez diverted the ball past Alves and began celebrating to the sound of a silenced Mestalla. However, he soon found himself furiously shaking his finger at the linesman – he’d been judged offside.

Sofiane Feghouli had another cracking chances moments later. A counter-attack exploited space on Barcelona’s right side, leaving the French winger with time to pick his shot. Instead, Feghouli smacked his shot straight at Bravo, and Nuno lashed out at Valencia’s dugout in sheer frustration. A lack of clinical finishing had cost Valencia a deserved lead. As disappointing as Valencia had been in taking their chances, Bravo had been immense for Barca, and he proved himself the visitor’s hero of the night as he stopped Negredo’s curling shot soon after.

Both teams looked shattered as the clock reached 90 minutes, as the sides traded possession and attempted to stir up one final moment of all-out-attack. The match reached 93 minutes all square.

But the game didn’t end 0-0. Messi chipped a cross into the box and Alves pulled off an amazing, last-ditch save to stop a close-range header from Neymar. Busquets came thundering in and smashed a shot into the roof of the net. The Valencia players, determined for so long, fell to the grass in despair; Nuno and the Mestalla raged over the last-minute strike; and Barcelona celebrated a crucial three points.

CARLOS VELA CRUCIAL FOR MOYES

One of the benefits David Moyes has in his quest to rejuvenate Real Sociedad is the fact that the team does boast genuine talent – this team features many of the same players who reached the Champions League a year ago. Sociedad need an injection of belief and determination – something lacking under Jagoba Arrasate – and the Scotsman appears to be delivering on that. Carlos Vela exemplified that on Friday evening.

The Mexican winger was in tremendous form last season, regarded as one of the best players outside of the top three clubs. His 16 goals and 12 assists in La Liga helped Sociedad reach the Europa League, and so his dip in form at the beginning of this campaign has had a large impact on the Txuriurdin’s fortunes. On Friday evening, however, he demonstrated his potential once again and more than doubled his goal tally in the league.

A rare headed goal opened the scoring for the hosts. Carlos Martinez whipped in a ball from the right-flank, finding Vela in the centre of the box. The Mexican made a simple header from an unmarked position, sending the ball darting past Tyton and putting Sociedad into the lead minutes into the match.

The second came from a brilliant pass and some solo work from Vela. Xabi Prieto cut through Elche’s defence with a long, incisive pass, and sent Vela charging through the opposition’s half. He used his sheer speed to burst ahead of the two remaining defenders, latched onto the pass, and rolled his shot into the bottom-left corner.

And he completed the hat-trick after 53 minutes. Martinez cut a pass inside to Vela, who dribbled into the box and smashed his effort through the legs of his marker and into the net.

In the three goals Vela demonstrated the sort of qualities he’s been lacking this season: confidence, that crucial final touch, and the sort of dynamism and ability to create something from nothing that not many attackers can boast.

Points from the Weekend

LA LIGA

MESSI IS LA LIGA’S TOP SCORER

There have been rumours this week that Lionel Messi is seeking an end to his time at the Camp Nou. Frustrated, and feeling targeted, by his ongoing legal struggles surrounding his tax problems, there have been reports from ‘friends of Messi’ stating that the diminutive striker is open to a transfer from Spain. Coming just a month since he marked a decade featuring for the club’s first team, is his time at the Camp Nou almost at an end?

It’s become clear over recent months that he’s not quite at the same level he was just two years ago, during his record-breaking 91-goals-in-a-year run in 2012. So, what’s changed?

There’s a desire that’s lacking – he doesn’t have the same motivation. It’s not the humongous wage packet that drives him on, but the accolades and trophies. And how do you rediscover that in a player who has already been the central figure in an era-defining side, and who has already won Champions Leagues, La Ligas, and countless individual honours? And it must be frustrating for him to see Cristiano Ronaldo – there is a legitimate rivalry, even if it was created by the media – in such a rich vein of form and picking up trophy-after-trophy in a superb Real Madrid team.

Messi’s game has also changed in those two years. He used to dart past defenders, pulling off the most amazing dribbles and making knots out of his markers. He doesn’t do that as much as he used to. Those little flicks are blocked, he’s kept on a leash and refused even the smallest of spaces, and he’s not able to have the same influence that he once had. Perhaps it’s because defences have wised up, or because he’s the central striker rather than cutting in off the right flank. Either way, he’s not having the same success.

The one force that was still driving him was the chance to better Telmo Zarra’s La Liga goals record. The former Athletic Bilbao hit-man struck 251 times in his career – and reached that number in fewer games than Messi. Against Sevilla, Messi had the chance to surpass Zarra.

The Argentinian striker struggled to make an impact in the opening minutes, as Sevilla kept tight at the back and offered little space for Barcelona’s front three to exploit. In the 21^st minute the visitors conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box. Up stepped Messi. The wall jumped and Beto stretched to reach as far as he could; it mattered little, as the ball tucked into the top-left corner, and Messi celebrated his 251^st goal in La Liga.

With the record equalled, and 69 minutes remaining, he smelled blood and the chance to score more. It came from a lightning-fast counter-attack. He charged through the centre, knocked the ball out to Neymar, who quickly produced a short cross to the back-post, and Messi burst ahead to reach the ball before Suarez and push in the record-breaking goal. 252 for Messi.

He marked the occasion with a classic Messi goal. He cut in from the right-flank, dribbled along the edge of the box – dodging challenges and tackles – did a quick one-two with his Brazilian strike-partner, and curled the ball into the bottom-left-corner to get the match-ball.

After the match, which finished 5-1, the Barcelona players tossed him in the air as the Camp Nou honoured his amazing achievement. It was like the old times again.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

POINTS FROM THE PARTICK/ABERDEEN GAME

Derek McInnes has tinkered with his formation numerous times this season, and on Sunday he favoured a return to the 3-5-2. With Shaleum Logan suspended, Niall McGinn stepped into the space on the right flank and had to do double duty in the right wing-back role. Jonny Hayes did the same on the opposite side. Using this formation should have, on paper, meant that both Hayes and McGinn could offer help in defensive situations and service the strike duo of David Goodwillie and Adam Rooney. That wasn’t the case.

Hayes, in particular, often found himself stuck in a defensive position, and, considering his most useful asset is his blistering pace, he couldn’t make those attacking charges over a 70-yard distance. This had consequences that limited the Dons up front. That space on the left side had to be filled by Adam Rooney, dragged out from his central position, so he could assist Hayes in creating some width and potential chances for the visitors.

And, of course, this had further negative effects for Aberdeen. With Rooney not always in position, Goodwillie was often isolated in the centre, and he struggled to make an impact on the game. He wasn’t the only one. Cammy Smith and Peter Pawlett didn’t create many chances, and this limited the amount of chances Aberdeen created. If not the penalty, the Dons wouldn’t have taken the three points.

–

It would be unfair to suggest that the Dons’ limited effect in offensive situations was all down to their formation. The Partick defence were solid throughout. It’s not often that a compliment can be aimed at the traditionally clumsy Thistle back-line. However, the introduction of the consistent Frederic Frans has made an immediate impact. In the three matches he’s started – against Aberdeen, St Mirren and St Johnstone – Partick have conceded just one goal – and that was the penalty that Abdul Osman handed to the Dons. And it wasn’t just him who impressed. Daniel Seaborne looked good and Paul Gallagher pulled off a couple of decent saves to stop Aberdeen increasing their lead.

Unfortunately for Partick supporters, as solid as they now look in defence, they look toothless in attack. The Jags had no shots on target, and Craig Doolan was isolated throughout the game. Even during spells when they pressed the Aberdeen defence, they offered little end product and James Craigen sliced their best chance in the game. It’s becoming a common problem for Alan Archibald’s side. In their previous five Premiership games, Partick have scored in just two – in a crucial 1-0 win over St Mirren and in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Hamilton.

Points from the Weekend

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

MATCH OF THE WEEK: ABERDEEN 1-2 CELTIC

An 89^th minute strike from Virgil van Dijk secured a crucial three points for Celtic that sends them to the top of the Scottish Premiership table heading into the international break.

The Bhoys suffered a troubled start to their campaign under the management of Neil Lennon’s replacement, Ronny Deila, being knocked out of the Champions League in qualification and suffering losses to both Hamilton and Inverness.

However, their situation had improved in recent weeks; victories against an in-form Kilmarnock and Inverness putting them in touching distance of the top spot.

The visitors had gone behind in the 26^th minute thanks to a catalogue of errors from Lukasz Zaluska that led to Adam Rooney finding the net from close range.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Stefan Johansen capitalised on some poor defending from Mark Reynolds and managed to equalise from a difficult position.

The game was more tempered in the second-half, and Deila’s side were reduced to ten-men with ten minutes remaining; skipper Scott Brown seeing an undeserved second yellow after Niall McGinn hit the deck despite not coming into contact with the midfielder.

The Dons pushed for a late winner, but the determined Celtic defence held out, and van Dijk’s late goal snatched the win.

A raucous reception greeted the kick-off as Aberdeen attempted to recapture the performance that had made them the only team to defeat Celtic last season.

The home side started the better, finding space on the left-flank and making an early penalty claim. Peter Pawlett burst into space and tried to cut inside; Brown put him under a small amount of pressure and the Dons attacker fell to the ground under the slightest of contact. Referee Allan Muir called for a goal-kick as the ball ran out.

The Dons suffered an early-blow, as the influential Willo Flood pulled up, meaning he had to be replaced by another former Celtic player: Barry Robson.

Celtic settled into the game and began to control possession, while Aberdeen tried to hit them on the counter-attack, utilising the pace of Jonny Hayes and Pawlett.

Anthony Stokes came close to opening the scoring after some clever movement from John Guidetti opened up space on the left edge of the box. However, Stokes’ tame effort ended up trickling past the far post.

Zaluska has been criticised for being hesitant during his spells between the Celtic sticks, and a couple of errors during a promising spell for the home side ended up gifting the Dons a 26^th minute lead.

First he dropped the ball after a simple header that shouldn’t have tested him; then he caught a shot from Andrew Considine, but again he failed to hold onto it, releasing the ball at Adam Rooney’s feet. The imposing Aberdeen striker’s desperate attempt nestled into the corner of the net, and Pittodrie erupted as the Dons took the lead.

Virgil van Dijk almost equalised minutes later, his header forcing a good save from Scott Brown – the Dons keeper; not the Celtic skipper.

As Zaluska handed Aberdeen a goal in the 26^th minute, ten minutes later, Reynolds did the same for Celtic. The Dons defender intercepted a through ball from Stokes, expecting it to roll-out for a goal-kick and keeping Johansen trapped behind him. The Celtic midfielder, however, managed to slide-tackle the ball and squeezed it past Brown from a difficult angle.

Johansen had another chance moments later; a thunderous effort that cannoned off the palms of Brown, and one that proved to be the final decent chance of the first-half.

Brown had to save a hard shot from his namesake as the match restarted. Celtic kept Aberdeen pushed back into their half in the opening minutes of the second-half, as the home support demonstrated their frustration at their side’s failure to retain possession.

Niall McGinn capped off a better spell for Aberdeen with a curling effort that just skimmed over the crossbar. The Aberdeen attacker then had another chance minutes later, cutting inside from the left and smacking a shot off the post.

For Celtic’s dominance in possession, and Aberdeen’s brief moments pushing into the visitor’s half, there were opportunities were rare in the second-half. Guidetti, the on-loan Manchester City striker in fine-form, had had no shots on target by the 70^th minute, and looked no closer to adding to his impressive tally of five goals.

Aberdeen applied pressure on Celtic around the 75 minute mark. The Dons passed the ball around, looking for an opening, and Zaluska had to be on-guard to push a header out for a corner.

The visitors resorted to some desperate defending in order to attempt to clear the box. David Goodwillie, on for the goal-scorer, Rooney, did well to force another corner from Emilio Izaguirre.

Celtic were reduced to ten men in the 81^st minute as Brown brought down Niall McGinn as he attempted to cut inside. The Celtic skipper was rightly frustrated, as he’d not touched the downed McGinn.

The Dons put Celtic under the cosh in the final minutes, and Deila’s side had to block at least four shots on goal in a one-minute spell.

Then, with one minute of normal time remaining, van Dijk entered the Dons’ box for a corner. The former Groningen defender found himself unmarked, and looked comfortable as he side-footed the cross into the net.

ROSS COUNTY CAN TAKE THEIR CHANCES

Ross County’s promising performance against Kilmarnock offered signs of hope to their supporters that the Staggies might be able to stave off relegation. Because while St Mirren are struggling for goals, that doesn’t seem to be the issue for Jim McIntyre’s side. Three goals scored at Rugby Park demonstrated that.

Killie had created more opportunities to take the lead prior to Graham Carey’s 33^rd minute strike. Fault for the goal lies at the feet – or the hands – of Craig Samson. The Killie keeper flapped as Carey’s long-range shot bounced off the crossbar, then off his back, and rolled over the line.

The Staggies then increased their lead seven minutes later: Michael Gardyne charged along the left-flank, held off his marker, and remained composed as he slotted in from close-range. And that 40^th minute strike wasn’t the final goal of the first-half. Carey’s corner reached the far-post and, unmarked, Paul Quinn volleyed the ball past an infuriated Samson. The second-half was a non-event, as County looked content to keep their comfortable lead.

Ross County didn’t create that many chances against Kilmarnock – 11 shots compared to the 14 their opponents had – yet Jim McIntyre’s side converted half of the shots they had on target. There are also the stats from their 2-2 draw with St Mirren a couple of weeks ago. Against their fellow strugglers the Staggies had just four shots in total – a 50% conversion rate. If County can continue to score against the teams in the bottom-six – although an ill-timed international break could ruin their momentum – they might just avoid the drop.

LA LIGA

BALE NEEDS TO EARN STARTING SPOT

Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t have a huge team. Almost all of the players in the starting eleven have established their places – Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Ronaldo, Benzema and James – but one name that isn’t a certified starter is Gareth Bale. The Welshman struggled to make an impression after his signing – his transfer fee putting him in the same bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t help – until his magnificent solo-effort against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final propelled him onto the front-pages of the Spanish papers. He further cemented his position by scoring in the Champions League final, making sure that his name will be remembered as part of that ‘Decima’ side. However, an injury earlier in the season again reminded supporters that Madrid boast another fantastic attacking midfielder: Isco.

The Spanish midfielder arrived at the Bernabeu in 2013 but failed to establish a place in the team. However, during Bale’s spell on the sidelines, Isco has made the most of his time on the pitch and suddenly there seems to be another selection dilemma for Ancelotti – although it is one that most managers would love to have.

Isco is a more versatile attacker than Bale, and can fit into any role in the midfield except a defensive one. And like the former Tottenham star he’s got pace and the dribbling skills to make it count – and perhaps better distribution – and, again, like Bale, the best example of this came against Barcelona. The former Malaga midfielder charged down a clearance, refusing to relent, and forced mistakes from both Dani Alves and Andres Iniesta, before collecting the ball and combining with Ronaldo, James and Benzema to create the third goal – the moment highlighted his best attributes.

There’s also the fact that Isco offers Ancelotti another formation and more balance. With an extra midfielder, the Italian can use a more traditional 4-4-2, with Benzema and Ronaldo as the front pair – this worked wonders against their Catalan rivals. With Bale, however, the team shifts into a 4-3-3, with Ronaldo and himself on the flanks and Benzema in the middle. There’s also the question that, with Ronaldo in such amazing form, is there the need for ‘Ronaldo-light’ in Bale?

Bale made just 24 passes in the 90 minutes and created just one chance (FourFourTwo Statszone)

The returning Welshman started against Rayo Vallecano last weekend, and wasted little time in making his presence felt.

Ronaldo slipped a through ball to Toni Kroos, and the German placed cut a cross through the six-yard-box. Bale burst ahead of his marker and slid the ball into the net to hand Madrid the lead after eight minutes.

He almost created a couple of chances to add a second. The former Spurs midfielder cut back after speeding past his marker and sent a grounded cross into the box that was cleared first-time. He then attempted a long through-ball, with Ronaldo in space, but over-hit his pass and sent it out for a goal-kick. Another attempted cross was blocked and pushed out for a corner minutes later. Sergio Ramos thighed – if that’s a term – the ball into the net (his 50^th goal for Madrid) and increased the hosts’ lead.

Bueno reduced the deficit minutes later. Keylor Navas – replacing Iker Casillas – tossed the ball out to James on the edge of his box. The Colombian tried a short back-pass, ignoring the three Rayo players surrounding him. The ball never reached the keeper. Bueno nipped into its path, didn’t rush as he rounded the isolated Navas, and tapped into the empty net.

Isco made his presence felt after the second-half kicked-off. Running around the pitch during his warm-up, the Bernabeu cheered at the sight of their Spanish midfielder.

Isco made 12 passes in his 20 minutes on the pitch and made one assist (FourFourTwo Statszone)

Goals from Kroos and Benzema put Madrid three clear by the time he came on as a substitute just before the 70^th minute mark. Isco made an immediate impact as he slid a through-ball ahead of Ronaldo, a pass that became an assist as the latter curled a shot underneath Alvarez for Madrid’s fifth and final goal.

The 5-1 scoreline didn’t represent the match. It wasn’t a classic Madrid performance, and Los Blancos seemed to lack the balance – especially in midfield – that Isco provided during his spell as a starter. Bale offered little contribution outside of his goal, not creating any good chances and at time wasting possession. If the Welshman aims to retain his place in the Madrid team, he needs to improve.

SOCIEDAD ENJOY THE ‘MOTHERWELL’ EFFECT

There aren’t many comparisons to be made between the towns of Motherwell and San Sebastian. The latter is a stunning coastal city in the Basque region of Spain with a history that dates back as far as the Roman times; the former remained a small hamlet until the Industrial Revolution and has been nominated as one of Scotland’s ugliest towns. One thing the areas do have in common, however, is their football clubs and their surprising results at the weekend. The Steelmen have been abject in recent months, leading to Stuart McCall handing in his resignation. Their dismal form came after successive seasons ending in second place – an impressive achievement considering McCall had to replace his better players each summer. Coming up against league leaders – at the time – Dundee United, most expected the Well would be decimated, as they had been in losses to Hamilton and Dundee. Instead, a crucial three points lifted the manager-less club up the league.

About 1000 miles south of Fir Park and Real Sociedad hosted the champions at the Anoeta. Before this weekend, both clubs also shared similar problems.

The atmosphere inside the Anoeta turned hostile during Arrasate’s time in charge, and the match against Getafe exemplified this issue. A thunderous ovation greeted Hervias’s late strike – one that seemed to indicate all three points were heading to Sociedad – but familiar problems resurfaced and the visitors capitalised. The defence didn’t do enough as Yoda found space on the edge of the box and curled in an equaliser. Minutes later he added a second, tapping in from close-range; the Anoeta had descended into silence after the first; the home support were enraged after the second.

There are also the scoring problems. Vela contributed 16 goals last season; so far this season he’s scored once. It’s the same issue at Fir Park, as McCall’s replacement has to solve the issue of John Sutton. The striker notched 22 crucial goals as the Steelmen finished second; this season he’s scored twice.

And then there’s the absence of Claudio Bravo. One problem for teams like Sociedad is that the World Cup is like a commercial for the big clubs. The Costa Rican keeper’s performances during the tournament earned him a transfer to Barcelona and Zubikarai doesn’t look a capable replacement. He looks to be lacking in confidence; an issue that could be applied to the team in general.

Despite these problems, like their Scottish equivalents, Sociedad put in a surprising performance this weekend.

A familiar atmosphere greeted Mario Mandzukic as he opened the scoring – one of frustrated silence. Juan Garcia put in an inch-perfect cross that curled around a pair of outstretched Sociedad defenders and reached the former Munich striker near the far post. Mandzukic converted from close range. Sociedad have crumbled from similar positions, so perhaps it came as an unfamiliar – although pleasing – sight to the home support that the Txuriurdin looked for an immediate reply.

A couple of minutes after Atletico’s opener, Vela reminded fans of the sort of form that alerted Arsenal fans to his development last season. His curled shot from outside the box beat the outstretched Atletico keeper and nestled into the bottom corner.

And it wasn’t just a brief glimpse of their old form. Sociedad pushed straight after the kick-off and should have had a penalty after Diego Godin’s late challenge on Vela – the referee instead awarded a free-kick to Atletico, thinking the winger had dived. The hosts also had the best chance to take the lead.

Imanol Agirretxe intercepted Miranda’s poor back-pass, rounded the keeper, and hit a tame effort at the unprotected goal. Godin, in the nick of time, charged back and just managed to slide the ball off the line.

Sociedad soon found themselves against ten-men after the match restarted. Guilherme Siqueira earned quick back-to-back bookings – it was a feisty performance from the visitors – and Diego Simeone had to take off one of his midfielders in order to replace the left-back. Vela should’ve had another spot-kick moments later – or a red card depending on the referee’s interpretation – as Mandzukic smashed his shoulder into the quick winger’s face as he attempted to burst into the box – the blood inside his mouth confirmed it to be a genuine foul. Atletico continued to target Vela, perhaps aiming to get him a second booking, and it was a shameful performance from the champions, who had seven yellow cards by the 81^st minute.

Then came the moment the Sociedad fans had been waiting for. The Anoeta erupted as Agirretxe snuck in front of Miranda and headed a cross past an outstretched Moya. Seven minutes of normal time remaining – almost the same time as their goal against Getafe – and one question reared stuck out: could Sociedad hold on and take all three deserved points? The suspense built as the referee called for four added minutes.

The comparisons, however, continued, as Sociedad took three crucial points against an opposition expected to beat them. Both teams should have managers after the international break, and it’ll be interesting to see if either team can continue to build form and regain their former position.

Points from the Weekend

LA LIGA

GAME OF THE WEEK: VILLARREAL 1-3 VALENCIA

Valencia overcame a dominant performance from Villarreal to collect all three points and surge to second in the La Liga table.

An early own-goal from Juanjo Trigueros put Valencia ahead, before Villarreal dominated the next 55 minutes. The home side, however, couldn’t find an equaliser, and a double from Shkodran Mustafi secured all three points for the visitors. Trigueros added a second – this time for the right team – but it was mere consolation as Valencia came within one point of league leaders Real Madrid.

The match started at a ferocious pace; chances being created at both ends and neither team settling to retain possession. The visitors applied pressure from the opening moments and ended up forcing an error that almost led to the opener: Jose Dorado, surrounded by white shirts, didn’t clear a cross first-time, and Sergio Asenjo had to be quick off his line in order to block a shot.

Trigueros had chances at both ends; one he missed and one he finished. He burst into the box to meet Denis Cheryshev’s cross but drilled his effort over the crossbar. A minute later, Valencia on a sudden counter-attack, the Spanish midfielder attempted to block Sofiane Feghouli’s cross but ended up sliding the ball into his own net.

Ikechukwu Uche could have equalised just after the match restarted. Cheryshev, a constant threat on the left-flank, cut a cross through the six-yard-box. Uche came within inches from pushing the ball into the net.

Cheryshev then had two opportunities to equalise after forcing a corner. The Russian stood outside the box and curled a shot at the bottom right corner after a poor clearance. Diego Alves stretched and managed to palm the ball off to one side. The former Madrid and Sevilla winger then broke into the box for a diving header, which was blocked.

The Russian then came close as half-time approached. He cut a ball into the centre, which Uche immediately chipped through to Moi Gomez. Giovanni Dos Santos couldn’t reach his cross, and Antonio Barragan had to be strong to stop Cheryshev from knocking the ball past Alves.

Villarreal could feel frustrated to be reaching half-time behind. The hosts had created the more chances and Valencia had done little to threaten after the opening minutes. Paco Alcacer and Rodrigo were anonymous in the first-half, and Villarreal dominated as if they were playing against nine men.

The Yellow Submarine picked up where they left off and earned a free-kick on the edge of the box – undeservedly so, as Uche ran into Otamendi. Bruno Soriano’s shot changed direction as it cut through the wall, and the Valencia keeper did brilliantly to tip it over the bar.

Villarreal kept the ball and pressed for an equaliser. Valencia, on the other hand, needed to change tactics. Each time the visitors cleared the ball Villarreal retrieved it and refused to let the visitors regain their composure.

The game started to lack the pace it once had, and the Villarreal attackers began to look tired. Perhaps no moment better summed up this problem than Uche’s chance in the 59^th minute. A through-ball sent him charging into the box, however, Otamendi sped up and sent the ball out for a corner.

The major problem, however, was the lack of an equaliser. Their dominance hadn’t produced a goal, and that came back to bite them in the 63^rd minute. Pablo Piatti crossed a ball to the far post, Gaspar allowed Mustafi to cut in front of him, and the Valencia defender headed the cross into the bottom left corner.

Mustafi then completed a double, and secured the three points almost ten minutes later. Feghouli flicked on a cross into the area and Mustafi, unmarked in the box, side footed the ball past a frustrated Asenjo.

Villarreal finally managed to score in the 87^th minute. Trigueros, getting some redemption for his earlier own-goal, received the ball inside the box and smashed the ball past Alves.

Villarreal: Asenjo; Mario, Paulista, Dorado, J Costa; Bruno, Trigueros, Gomes, Cheryshev; Uche, Dos Santos

Subs: J Dos Santos (Gomes 60) Vietto (G Dos Santos 64) Moreno (Uche 70)

Valencia: Alves; Barragan, Mustafi, Otamendi, Gaya; Feghouli, Fuego, Gomes, Piatti; Alcacer, Rodrigo

Subs: Gil (Feghouli 76) Negredo (Alcacer 78) De Paul (Rodrigo 85)

THE FORCE IS WITH GETAFE

After four decades as the predominant Yoda, the Jedi master finally has a challenger. The Getafe attacker has been crucial to his side picking up six points from their last two games; scoring a couple of goals and creating a third.

Fans inside the Anoeta Stadium celebrated as Pablo Hervias scored a late strike that seemed to secure a crucial three points for Real Sociedad. Karim Abdoul Yoda had other ideas. He curled a shot from the outside of the box into the bottom left corner – the home fans had been silenced. Worse was to come. In the final minute of added time, Yoda again found himself in the right position at the right time. Sammir, gifted far too much room of the left-flank, cut inside and slid the ball past the outrushing Zubikarai into the box. Yoda, unmarked and an empty net in front, side footed the ball and completed a brilliant comeback.

A major issue for Getafe this season has been their effectiveness in front of goal. Cosmin Contra’s side had scored just six goals from nine matches before Friday night’s encounter with Deportivo. They created chances; they just couldn’t finish them. Deportivo, however, offered them a chance to find their goal scoring shoes. The recently-promoted club are struggling and had conceded 19 goals in nine games – six more than their opponents.

35 minutes into the match, and Yoda made his impact. Although he wasn’t credited with the goal, the creation was all his doing. The Frenchman cut inside, drilled a shot through three defenders, and struck the post. The ball then proceeded to bounce off the outstretched Fabricio’s head and into his net. Getafe ended up running out 2-1 winners: Lafita tapped in from close range to extend their lead, before a late strike from Helder Postiga added some late-match suspense.

Yoda has the potential to be one of best attacking talents outside the top-four in La Liga. He has both pace and strength, making him a constant threat to defenders, but is agile and commands the ball. He also doesn’t sit idle; he’ll either be charging into space, looking to make something happen – as he did for the opener against Deportivo – or drifting in-and-out of the flanks. The force is strong with this one.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

DUNDEE FINDING SCORING TOUCH

Dundee had a brilliant start to the season. Points against Kilmarnock, Inverness, Partick and Celtic, and victories against St Mirren and St Johnstone meant the Dees reached the first Dundee derby of the season undefeated and comfortable in the top-half of the table. United then demolished them 4-1. A loss to win-less Ross County, and a tight defeat to Aberdeen followed, as Dundee slid down towards the relegation places.

On paper Dundee looked good in those opening games, but the results masked a problem: a lack of goals. Their results leading into the Dundee United clash looked like binary code – a series of 1s and 0s. They should have collected all three points at home to Celtic, but poor finishing cost them, and a deflected shot from Leigh Griffiths meant they left with just one point.

In the last three games, though, Dundee’s form has picked up again, and, perhaps more importantly, they’ve also started scoring. Paul Hartley’s side looked comfortable and confident as they scored five past Motherwell and Hamilton – bringing the latter’s undefeated streak to an end – and conceded just the one. A match against in-form Kilmarnock, who had collected 12 points from their last five games – a tight 2-0 loss at Celtic Park ended their promising run – offered Dundee the chance to regain their position in the top-half.

The attacking partnership formed between Greg Stewart and David Clarkson seems to be paying dividends, with the pair scoring four goals between them in the matches against the Steelmen and the Accies. The pair continued that purple patch of form at Kilmarnock.

After a quiet 44 minutes, with half-time approaching, Stewart scored his 4^th of the campaign. Former Killie player Gary Harkins slid a ball to Clarkson, who, on the edge of the D, immediately found Stewart cutting in from the flank. The striker’s shot bounced in off the post. Minutes into the second-half, the creator became the scorer. Harkins passed to Clarkson, who hammered the ball past Craig Samson.

A beautiful goal from Alexei Eremenko – he trapped the ball, spun, and tapped it into the net – reduced the deficit, before a 90^th strike from Stewart sealed all three points for the visitors. The striker completed a solo-counter-attack – Samson had been up for a Killie corner and missed his attempted tackle – and finished on his second attempt.