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Five talking points from the Scottish Premiership this weekend

:Headline: Five talking points from the Scottish Premiership this weekend: ID:409724: from db_amp
The champions dropped two points on their travels.

Rangers maintained their early pace as they joined Hibernian and Ross County at the top of the Scottish Premiership – but there was a slip up for Celtic at Rugby Park.

Here, the PA news agency looks at five things we learned from the second week of the new league campaign.

Celtic first to drop points in title race

Neil Lennon's Celtic dropped two points to trail title rivals Rangers (Jeff Holmes/PA)

Celtic were first to blink in the title race with only credible rivals Rangers after a 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock. It looked good for Celtic in the second Premiership fixture of the season when midfielder Ryan Christie opened the scoring for the champions with a free-kick from distance after 10 minutes. However, veteran winger Chris Burke levelled in the 24th minute from a penalty and a disciplined, well-organised Killie side held out for a deserved draw to leave Celtic two points behind Hibernian, Rangers and Ross County although there is a long, long way to go.

Alfredo Morelos off and running at last

To say the Rangers striker has had a troubled 2020 is an understatement. His sole goal this calendar year before facing St Mirren on Sunday had come in a Scottish Cup win over Hamilton back in February. But he finally got off the mark in the league with a second-half double as he sent Rangers on their way to a 3-0 win over the Buddies. Steven Gerrard admitted the Colombian's head had been "turned" by interest from Lille in midweek but he looked more like his old self against Jim Goodwin's men.

Kevin Nisbet is ready for the step up

Hibernian's summer signing only got six substitute appearances in the top flight before being released by Partick Thistle two years ago but he has since been prolific for Raith Rovers and Dunfermline. And he carried on in the same vein by hitting a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Livingston in his second game for Hibs.

Dundee United are more than just Lawrence Shankland

The Scotland striker's 28 goals were crucial last season as United returned to the top flight and he was missing with an ankle knock as Micky Mellon's side travelled to Fir Park. United didn't need him, though. Louis Appere led the line well and Mark Reynolds hit the only goal. But it was United's organisation that really impressed as they restricted Motherwell to few chances.

Stephen Robinson is looking for the right combination up front

Jake Hastie has failed to impress since returning to Motherwell (Jeff Holmes/PA)

The Motherwell boss has plenty of options for his front three. With Callum Lang suspended, he opted for Christopher Long, Jake Hastie and Sherwin Seedorf up front. The latter impressed again at times but, for the second game running, Hastie struggled to make any impact and Long passed up a chance. Robinson also brought on Jordan White, Tony Watt, Jermaine Hylton and his son, Harry. Picking three from eight might take time.

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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic220085275884
2RangersRangers220078255381
3Hearts20114637963
4Kilmarnock20114438652
5St Mirren21014246-446
6Dundee20024659-1341
Relegation Group
1Hibernian21014854-642
2Aberdeen22003749-1241
3Motherwell21015053-340
4Ross County21013459-2533
5St Johnstone20022550-2531
RLivingston21012563-3821
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
RLivingston3339212259-3718
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