2 weeks ago
Not since 2011 has location been specified a tight Scottish Premiership title race.
Three points is nan spread betwixt leaders Celtic and rivals Rangers pinch 4 games remaining, 1 of which is simply a imaginable derby decider successful nan eastbound extremity of nan metropolis adjacent month.
On nan backmost of 2 hard-fought distant wins for some Old Firm clubs, BBC Scotland looks astatine nan authorities of play successful a gripping tussle for Scotland’s top-flight crown.
It’s a portion of nan play wherever capacity very overmuch becomes secondary. Even still, some Celtic and Rangers person been acold from flawless passim this term.
Between nan pair, they person grounded to triumph 18 games betwixt them - Rangers losing six and drafting three, while Celtic person mislaid 3 and drawn six.
The fragility some sides person shown astatine times, which has made a captivating title title each nan much absorbing, was evident successful spells connected Sunday.
Rangers rode their luck against St Mirren successful Paisley, particularly successful nan first half, but gritted their teeth to separator to a triumph acknowledgment to nan 20th extremity nan maligned Cyriel Dessers’ debut season.
Celtic’s luck-riding was done successful nan 2nd play against Dundee astatine Dens Park, but a double from James Forrest - making his first commencement since November - ensured nan leaders restored their three-point advantage.
"The capacity doesn't matter, it's each astir nan result," erstwhile Rangers striker Steven Thompson said connected Sportsound.
Fellow erstwhile Ibrox guardant Billy Dodds echoed that view, adding: "At this shape - pinch nan nerves and pinch what's astatine liking - each that matters is getting 3 points. That's what Celtic and Rangers did [on Sunday]."
Meanwhile, Philippe Clement rhymed disconnected his accustomed "I'm only engaged pinch Rangers" line, but nan Ibrox leader hailed his side's "character" and "resilience" arsenic Rodgers praised nan "spirit" of his squad.
It goes without saying, whoever demonstrates those 3 qualities champion will almost surely beryllium to beryllium decisive successful nan 4 remaining games.
The quality of nan divided intends some clubs look nan league's apical teams successful their last fixtures.
Next up for Celtic is nan sojourn of a Hearts broadside who person defeated nan leaders doubly already this play - including a triumph successful Glasgow successful December.
Twenty-four hours later, Kilmarnock, who person won 7 points against nan Old Firm this campaign, spell to Ibrox.
A midweek travel to Rugby Park, wherever Celtic person mislaid doubly this term, connected nan penultimate matchday could beryllium to beryllium rather nan trial for Rodgers' side, arsenic could Rangers' travel to Tynecastle connected nan last day.
But earlier each that is simply a imaginable derby decider astatine Celtic Park, wherever nan men from Ibrox will apt person to triumph for nan first clip successful almost 4 years to person immoderate chance of wrestling apical spot disconnected their rivals.
And erstwhile each that's done, and nan medals are handed out, there's nan mini matter of a Scottish Cup last showdown to look guardant to.
For Celtic, that could beryllium nan chance of a convention and cup double. If not, they will beryllium aiming to contradict Rangers a home treble.
Clear your diaries, a blockbuster extremity to nan play is only conscionable beginning.
