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.

Questions for the Weekend

Can Cordoba escape the relegation zone?

Cordoba won a match; an actual game of football; with 90 minutes and 22 men and all that; and three points at the end of it. Athletic Bilbao’s form heading into the contest offered little suggestion that Los Califas would stun the San Mames and end their long hunt to achieve a win in La Liga – something they hadn’t done since 1972. But 23 minutes into the match Nabil Ghilas pressed Athletic’s defence into conceding possession, capitalised on their high-line to run into acres of space, and slotted the ball past Gorka Iraizoz. Some 67 minutes of football later and Cordoba were celebrating ending their 42-year wait.

The crucial three points propelled them to 18^th in the league – Elche and Deportivo trailing – and brought them onto level points with Almeria. The club lead the league in terms of draws – seven so far – and those points, once a marker of their inability to win matches, could be important come the end of the season. This weekend they welcome Levante to the Estadio Nuevo Arcangel with the aim to escape the relegation zone.

Lucas Alcaraz’s side have dropped to 15^th in La Liga after a promising start. While Levante have only lost one match from their last five, three have also been draws – a surprise 2-1 victory over Valencia stopped them from drifting into the relegation zone. The fact that results from both sides read like binary code suggest that it’s going to be a tight game with little to separate the teams.

One element that could make the difference is the psychological effect of Cordoba’s deserved win. The fact that those three points eluded them for so long, and the disappointment of conceding late goals as they did against Getafe, must have affected their confidence. Some critics doubted they’d win a match this season – did that thinking penetrate the squad? All that negativity is gone now, but the fantastic feeling of breaking that run remains. Cordoba should turn that into confidence and play Levante with the knowledge that they can win. It’s important that they do so this weekend.

While Almeria’s visit from Real Madrid means it’s unlikely the 17^th place team are going to be collecting points, Deportivo and Elche’s clash means at least one of the sides will leap-frog Cordoba – both if it ends level. Losing another match and dropping back to the foot of the table would be devastating for Cordoba’s morale.

Will Hamilton’s poor form continue against Dundee?

The Accies’ undefeated streak came to a disappointing climax against Dundee at the end of October. Perhaps an element of familiarity came into play – Hamilton picked up just two points from their four meetings with the Dees in the Championship last season – but the result appears to have had a knock-on effect that Alex Neil’s side have struggled to shake.

Hamilton have lost three of their last five matches – including the Dundee game – as they were humbled for a second time this season at the hands of Inverness and could count themselves lucky to concede just three as Aberdeen routed them at Pittodrie. While a comfortable 3-0 victory against hapless St Mirren and a point from a spectacular 3-3 draw with Partick Thistle means they aren’t in danger of dropping out of the top six soon – sixth and seventh place Kilmarnock and Dundee are six and seven points off respectively – their dire performance against the Dons seemed reminiscent of their debut defeat to Caley Thistle.

One month separated Hamilton’s dominant performance in October, which resulted in a 3-0 win, and the disjointed display which led to their 3-0 humbling last weekend. Neil’s side offered little in attack – a mere three shots on target compared to Aberdeen’s six – but poor defending ultimately cost them. Ash Taylor had little trouble heading in a corner, Niall McGinn capitalised on some clumsy passing before chipping Michael McGovern, and a blatant penalty resulted in the third – there were no positives to be taken from the game.

Dundee’s win in October ended a poor run of results for the club, and since then the Dees have earned seven points from five matches. Considering Inverness’s form and Celtic’s usual dominance, tight 2-1 losses to both clubs are not terrible results; although Paul Hartley would have been frustrated Dundee didn’t make more of their chances. Victories against other top-six sides – Aberdeen and Kilmarnock – mean they’re now one point off a place in the top-half of the table.

Alex Neil will be hoping for such a run for his Hamilton team if they can beat Dundee on Saturday.

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.

–

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.

Questions for the Weekend

CAN VALENCIA KEEP UP WITH THE TOP THREE?

In Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, Valencia have an example to follow if they want to break free of their traditional position as Spain’s Arsenal. Atletico used to be in a similar position, but their achievements in both La Liga and the Champions League demonstrates that the iron-tight-grip Barcelona and Real Madrid have on the league can be broken. In Simeone’s first full season at the Vicente Calderon, Atletico finished third – behind the usual pair – on an impressive 76 points. And, despite losing to both clubs in the league, Atletico beat their arch-rivals in the Copa del Rey final and snapped their losing mentality. Valencia must do the same this season.

Peter Lim has added firepower to the squad, bringing in young, developing talents like Rodrigo and Andre Gomes, and has solidified the defence with the signings of Nicolas Otamendi and Shkodran Mustafi. The club even made a profit thanks to the sale of Jeremy Mathieu to Barcelona. Valencia now need to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with, as Atletico did in their first season under Simeone.

It’s been a good – if a little inconsistent – start to Valencia’s campaign. Los Che sit fourth in the league, a couple of points behind Atletico, but Nuno’s side should be even higher. Surprising defeats to Deportivo and Levante cost them valuable points, as did draws against Real Sociedad, Athletic, and fellow-Champions League chasers Sevilla. In their seven victories so far this season, Valencia have scored exactly three goals in each game, and have conceded one at most – including a 3-1 win over Atletico at the Mestalla.

Results last week meant that, for the first time this season, the top three from last season were the top three this season. It’s imperative that Valencia continue to put pressure on the Madrid teams and Barcelona, who they host on Sunday, which makes the task easier said than done. Barcelona destroyed Sevilla last week, offering them little possession and having enough time to celebrate Lionel Messi breaking Telmo Zarra’s La Liga scoring record.

Valencia don’t have a habit of giving Barcelona easy wins. The Catalan club have won seven games since the start of the 2008/09 season – the first under Pep Guardiola – and Valencia have picked up all three points just the once. Importantly, that was the last time the teams met, as Valencia ran out 3-2 victors at the Camp Nou. Plus, in four of the last five Barcelona wins, one goal has separated the teams, and Valencia have held out for a point on four other occasions.

Otamendi and Mustafi have looked strong at the back so far this season, but they face their toughest challenge in the trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez, who scored his first first-team goal against APOEL in the Champions League. Rodrigo and Paco Alcacer have also been anonymous at times, which is disappointing considering the excellent start they had to their campaign. The duo must be at their best if Valencia are to win this crucial game.

CAN GETAFE STOP ATHLETIC AND ADURIZ?

Getafe used to be one of the more boring teams to watch in La Liga, however, over the past couple of months, the club has turned itself into one of the more formidable mid-table outfits. Cosmin Contra’s side have had a mixed record over their last five matches, but both losses – to 1-0 to Atletico and 2-1 to Villarreal – have been tight and the team deserved three points against Elche. Getafe’s last two victories came against northern sides, Deportivo at the end of October and Real Sociedad a couple of games before, and it’s Sociedad’s Basque rivals, Athletic, who visit the Alfonso Perez this weekend.

Athletic are in fantastic form at the moment, picking up 11 points from their last five matches. Before their last game, Ernesto Valverde’s side had been relying on keeping things tight at the back and scoring one goal – they held Celta and Valencia, and won 1-0 against both Sevilla and Almeria. Last week, however, Bilbao looked much more dangerous in attack, and much of the credit must be aimed at Aritz Aduriz.

The veteran striker looked unplayable against Espanyol, as his team ran out 3-1 victors. He opened the scoring in the 29^th minute, leaping high to head Susaeta’s corner and, thanks to a deflection, sending the ball into the bottom left corner. Aduriz demonstrated another reason he’s crucial to Athletic’s attacking for the next goal. He used his size to control a long ball – holding off his marker – turned and cut inside, before releasing a through ball which Borja Viguera neatly slipped past Kiko Casilla. His header marked his fifth of the season – in ten games – and again raised questions about Athletic’s overreliance on him. At 33, he’s no spring chicken, and he’s already suffered a couple of hamstring injuries this season that have kept him out for sustained periods.

The form he and Athletic are in, it’s difficult to imagine them not picking up all three points. As good as Getafe are, the team still lack goals and are over reliant themselves on the creativity of Yoda.

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.

Questions for the Weekend

ARE DAVID MOYES AND REAL SOCIEDAD PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER?

David Moyes and Real Sociedad have one thing in common: both tasted the big time and both have suffered since. The club from San Sebastian reached the Champions League just over a year-ago; but then dropped to 7^th last season, and now they hover precariously above the relegation zone. Sociedad have sold Asier Illarramendi, Claudio Bravo and Antoine Griezmann to the Madrid clubs and Barcelona, and are struggling to find any form. The Scottish manager, on the other hand, took on an impossible task by replacing the irreplaceable Alex Ferguson and didn’t see out the season. His big chance had come and gone.

And let’s not forget that Moyes did a brilliant job at Everton. When he took the reins Everton hadn’t finished in the top ten since 1996. Although the Toffees came close to relegation in 2004, the club kept confidence in him and he rewarded them with a 4^th place finish – they would have reached the group stage of the Champions League had it not been for some questionable refereeing. From 2007 to 2013 the club finished between 8^th and 5^th – he turned them into consistent top-four challengers despite lacking the budget. He had an eye for finding talents at a lower level and bringing them in on the cheap – Joleon Lescott for £5 million, Mikel Arteta (from Sociedad) for £2.5 million, and Tim Cahill from Millwall for £1.5 million. Sociedad could offer him the same chance in a warmer climate.

There are the obvious disadvantages going against him. The outstanding one is that he can’t speak Spanish. This means he can’t give in-depth team-talks – although that doesn’t seem to be an issue so far. Inigo Martinez has said that the Scotsman has demonstrated his desire, asking for 100% from the side, and that has inspired the players during training. This has been a big problem for Sociedad. Under Jagoba Arrasate the Basque club looked uninspired, often lacking the inspiration to drag themselves out of a difficult situation. Getting the team’s head in order should be the main priority, and for good reason.

Despite losing Illarramendi, Bravo and Griezmann, the club have retained most of the players who helped the club reach the Champions League. The talent is still there. Perhaps no player better represents their plight than Carlos Vela. The former Arsenal winger was in tantalising form last season – he was one of the best players outside of the top three – scoring 16 league goals and making 12 assists. He was crucial to Sociedad’s attacking play. In this campaign, however, he’s notched just two goals. Vela’s drifted in games, looking anonymous, and he needs a manager who can push him to regain that form and demonstrate why the Gunners’ fans were thinking about bringing him back to the Emirates during the World Cup.

Moyes’s league debut comes against Deportivo, who are on the same points as 15^th place Sociedad – there are five clubs on nine points. The promoted side have been abject at times, and couldn’t even score past Cordoba. Sociedad did defeat Atletico before the international break, reminding fans that there is still quality in this team, and Deportivo offer Moyes the chance to make it back-to-back wins and bring some confidence back to the Anoeta.

CAN ROSS COUNTY ESCAPE THE RELEGATION ZONE?

Perhaps the most surprising display in the Scottish Premiership so far this season came at Rugby Park in the last round of fixtures. Ross County scored three first-half goals against Kilmarnock and looked good doing so. It means Jim McIntyre’s side have picked up four points in their last three games – a tight 1-0 loss to Aberdeen and a 2-2 draw against St Mirren – and are on level points with the Buddies, and just two behind Motherwell.

This weekend they are playing St Johnstone, who are still struggling thanks to a lack of goals. The Perth club have scored just ten league goals this campaign – two less than their opponents – and still haven’t solved the problem of replacing Stevie May. Despite their attacking woes, Tommy Wright’s side are still solid enough in defence, having conceded 16 – one less than Aberdeen. All this probably indicates that the match is going to be a tight one, with one goal enough to separate the sides.

If County take all three points, it’ll lift them out of the relegation zone and above Motherwell – depending on how the Steelmen get on against Inverness. It would also put them within touching distance of St Johnstone, and, if they can keep a run of form going, they could avoid what looked like certain relegation.