5 things we learned from the Ladbrokes Premiership this weekend

Celtic moved top of the Ladbrokes Premiership and Rangers immediately closed the gap to two points.

Here are five things we learned from the weekend’s Ladbrokes Premiership action.

1. Hearts are missing too many key players

Craig Levein’s side coped for weeks with the loss of centre-backs Christophe Berra and John Souttar but subsequent setbacks for strikers Uche Ikpeazu and Steven Naismith have taken their toll. The Jambos lost their place at the top of the table after a 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock and have taken one point from three matches.

2. Celtic have hit the top

They did not do it in style, drawing 0-0 with Livingston to displace Hearts on goal difference, but the champions’ move above the Jambos could still be a significant point in the season. After racking up 20 goals in their previous four league matches, Brendan Rodgers’ team could be hard to knock off the summit.

 3. Rangers have found their ruthless streak

Steven Gerrard has been badgering his players to force home their advantage at Ibrox and they have handed out heavy defeats to Dundee and St Johnstone. But they really got his message after Motherwell midfielder Carl McHugh was sent off with the score at 1-1. Rangers went on to win 7-1 after a one-sided second half.

4. The bottom two bosses are still looking for their first win

Jim McIntyre gained his first point as Dundee manager after a 1-1 draw with St Mirren, who claimed only a second point in nine matches under Oran Kearney. There were no winners on Tayside but at least both managers have something to build on over the international break.

5. Livingston showed their tenacity

Livingston passed a major test after consecutive defeats by St Johnstone and Hamilton prompted sceptics to claim their bubble had burst. The early-season surprise packages were at their most organised and disciplined best against Celtic, defending stoutly and snuffing them out for a goalless draw.