[ad_1]
Celtic secured victory against 10-man Rangers to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership and there were key victories for St Mirren and Motherwell in their final games of 2023.
Heart of Midlothian fought back to draw against Ross County but arguably the most dramatic game of the day was the epic end to Kilmarnock’s match against Dundee.
So how does that leave the fans of the clubs who played on Saturday feeling as they leave 2023 behind? This is a sample of the views from those who responded to our call for opinions on their team’s performance.
Rangers fans’ verdict: A striker required!
The assessment of fans of the Ibrox club was predictable after their side spurned chances against Celtic
Sandy: Rangers played well, however a striker who can score goals is required urgently. Dessers has improved but not enough for games of this magnitude. Celtic are fortunate that they have a choice of striker who scores goals. Rangers are lacking in that respect!
Alexander: Until Rangers get Shankland or some other proven striker they will continue to struggle in games that really matter. Rangers could have gone in at half-time in the lead if not at least level. Two wonder strikes won the game. Rangers huffed and puffed to no avail. Unless we start beating Celtic, I say forget it.
Peter: Again Rangers seem as if they believed they could not beat Celtic… and in the end have beaten themselves. It will now be four months until the next league meeting between the two and at this point it feels like no matter how well Rangers play they need to overcome Celtic and end the dominance. Lots to consider.
Jim: The game showed we badly need strikers brought in to finish the many chances we made, especially in the first half. Celtic scored when they were having a good spell; when we had the ascendancy, we couldn’t – that was the difference. Not too downhearted as we are still well in it and I trust this manager.
‘Euphoria shouldn’t paper over cracks’
Celtic fans were naturally delighted with the victory in the Old Firm game – but some still want to see the squad strengthened
Alan: A great win with a good solid performance. However the board can’t allow the euphoria of this to paper over the cracks. They need to spend money on at least two or three quality players who can play and enhance the team immediately, otherwise the opportunity of Champions League football and money will be lost. Three points at Paisley on Tuesday is essential.
James: Celtic were the better team and missed a number of chances that could have resulted in a more emphatic scoreline. Can’t believe the audacity of ‘The Rangers’ questioning the lack of VAR decision in their favour for a penalty. How many questionable decisions by VAR have helped them to secure a win?
Peter: Performance in these matches is irrelevant. All that counts is the three points and putting ourselves on top again. We must build on our superiority. Great to see fringe players do well. January will be interesting.
Charlie: Celtic turned up big style. Our midfield were excellent and we fought for every ball. Kyogo is class; his form has dipped recently but he reminded everyone how good he is. Three in a row in our hands.
‘Board needs to act before it becomes toxic’
Some Aberdeen fans want a change of manager after the 3-0 defeat to St Mirren…
Eddie Been patient but it is clear Robson has to go – his side, his tactics. Defence clearly isn’t comfortable playing three or five at the back, players look unsure of what to do, and repeated hopeless punts up the park. We have decent players, but Robson refuses to play a system that plays to their strengths. Board needs to act now before things get toxic.
Kenny: How much more nonsense do the AFC board expect fans to put up with? Tortuous to watch, no fight, no identity, utterly clueless and tactically inept week in, week out. What we’re being asked to pay to watch can’t even be classed as football. All the result of a weak board and failure to appoint an experienced manager and director of football.
Maurice: Poor managers make poor players. A squad that looks good on paper are playing like poor players. There is no pattern to the play and Robson is incapable of changing things when they are not working. Why is he still in charge? Does someone believe in miracles?
‘Muddled formation and reliant on Shankland’
Hearts fans were relieved at the point – but are desperate for more from their manager and team
Douglas: Really poor first half, lucky not to have been two or three down by half-time. Too many playing out of position in a muddled formation. Fortunate to get a draw. Referee was poor, only needed someone to fall over to award a free-kick. VAR performance again poor.
Bob: Another game where our players failed to turn up. Naismith’s excuse was that the players were fatigued! Ridiculous given the size of the squad and the wages they get. How can we beat Celtic and Hibs away but struggle to draw with a very poor Ross County, at home? Yet again, we relied too heavily on Kent and Shankland to perform.
‘Kilmarnock don’t do anything the easy way!’
Unsurprisingly, Killie fans were unsure what to think after a game they thought they had lost, won and ultimately drew
Robert: Thought in the first half Dundee were as good as any team who I’ve seen this season. They played some good football although we defended well and gave up few real chances. Second half we got going and were more like ourselves. Really thought we had won it but to be fair a draw was about right.
Kevin: Draw was a fair result. The officials indicated four minutes of injury time and we lose a goal in the 95th minute though, so I’m gutted about that. Break coming at a good time for us, starting to pick up injuries. Lyons, Wright and Ndaba need recovery time.
Adam: Outplayed in the first half but much better in the second half, Dundee wasting time towards the end played into their own hands. Kilmarnock don’t do anything the easy way!
Europe on horizon for Paisley Saints?
St Mirren fans praised their manager and are dreaming of continental exploits next season after the win at Pittodrie
William: Thankfully, we’re back among the goals and again a big thanks to our keeper, the best there is. This result gives us hope of getting something from two very tough games ahead. As for 2023, we’re so lucky to have had Stephen Robinson. That Euro place might still be there!
Gerry: Much better performance by St Mirren against a poor Aberdeen side. Clinical finishing from the Paisley Saints and a really valuable three points in the challenge for Europe this season as the winter break looms.
‘A victim of our own success?’
Livingston fans are downbeat after another defeat at Motherwell left them bottom of the table as the year ends
Michael: Statistics don’t lie. For a few seasons the ratio of shots on target to goals has been the worst in the league and yesterday’s 10% was another example. We need to work the opposition goalkeeper more.
Anon: There’s an air of inevitability about our current position. We have wildly punched above our weight for the past seven years, but with extremely limited resources as a club it doesn’t come as a surprise where we are – a victim of our own success?
