Rangers manager Derek McInnes is still hunting for his inaugural victory of the campaign, while Celtic forward Kasper Hogh and Hearts coach Wouter Vrancken have each offered a measured response to the skeptics who have been quick to criticize them. At Ibrox, the Rangers were stunned by a determined Hibernian side, whereas Celtic lit up Kilmarnock's newly laid grass surface, reminding everyone that last season's poor performances may have been an anomaly rather than a new norm. Meanwhile, St Mirren have found themselves level with Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership after just a handful of games, but questions loom over whether they will be forced to part with one of their key contributors before the end of August. Below is a detailed recap of the lessons and storylines that emerged from the weekend's fixtures.
Derek McInnes repeatedly insisted that Rangers "aren't as bad as people think", yet the team continues to display many of the same frailties that contributed to their decline last season. In an attempt to tighten the back line, McInnes reshuffled his defensive quartet for the trip to Hibernian, but the side struggled to maintain shape.
A rash challenge from new signing Vanja Dragojević saw Josh Kerr hauled to the ground and a penalty awarded, underscoring the defensive lapses that have become all too familiar. Fans at Ibrox remain frustrated by the inconsistency and the series of unforced errors that have plagued the Jambos. The disappointment was amplified when Youssef Chermiti was stretchered off after Celtic turned down a lucrative offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray, adding a further layer of misery to a night that did not go the Rangers' way.
Hibernian manager David Gray admitted his side "rode their luck" at moments, but he also praised the cohesion his players displayed after a convincing Conference League qualifying win earlier in the week. The victory at Ibrox helped to ease the pressure on Gray, who had been under scrutiny following a mixed start to the season.
Celtic's new signing Kasper Hogh arrived with an £11 million price tag and a mountain of expectation. His debut against Dundee was underwhelming – he missed several clear chances – but he quickly redeemed himself at Rugby Park.
In just 35 minutes he netted a hat‑trick on the fresh grass pitch, demonstrating an instinctive ability to read the game and find pockets of space inside the box. Kilmarnock's porous defence offered Hogh plenty of opportunities, while teammates Benjamin Nygren and Luke McCowan also got on the scoresheet, propelling Celtic to the top of the table on goal difference. Conversely, Neil McCann's Kilmarnock have now lost their opening two Premiership matches and have conceded nine goals.
The manager's philosophy of playing an open, attacking style will need to be balanced with a rapid improvement in defensive solidity if they are to avoid a relegation battle later in the season. Hearts have endured a rocky start under Wouter Vrancken, with early-season form that fell short of the standards set during their title‑challenging campaign last year. Defeats in Europe and a disappointing display against Aberdeen raised doubts about Vrancken's appointment.
However, the Jambos responded emphatically to a 6‑1 drubbing in the Europa League qualifiers by beating Dundee United 2‑1 at Tynecastle Park. The win showcased a revitalised attacking rhythm and a disciplined defensive effort, suggesting that the team can still find its footing despite a challenging start. What makes the performance even more impressive is that Hearts were missing six players through injury and suspension, yet they still managed to produce a cohesive, hard‑working display. Dundee United, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on a promising 1‑1 draw with Rangers in their season opener, and the 2‑1 loss to Hearts does not fully reflect the quality they displayed over 90 minutes.
They dominated possession and created several chances, but a lack of clinical finishing kept them from securing a more favourable result. St Mirren have enjoyed a flawless start, securing maximum points and back‑to‑back clean sheets. After a double‑goal opening day, a penalty converted by Killian Phillips proved decisive in the narrow win over the Saints in Paisley. Phillips has attracted interest from several clubs, and manager Craig McLeish has promised to support the young midfielder in securing the best possible move as he approaches the final year of his contract.
Newly promoted St Johnstone entered the top flight with confidence, earning a victory in their first match, but they lacked cutting edge in the second half. They failed to produce a single shot on target before the break, missed a penalty, and struck the woodwork on multiple occasions. Their inability to finish chances ultimately cost them points despite a solid start.
A week can produce dramatic swings in form, as illustrated by Aberdeen. After a spirited comeback win against Hearts, the Dons stumbled against Dundee, delivering a performance far from brilliant.
Nevertheless, they fought until the final whistle, a resilience they lacked in the previous encounter at Dens Park where traveling supporters expressed their displeasure with loud boos. Steven Pressley's side secured a 2‑0 victory, though many observers felt the scoreline understated the dominance displayed. Joe Bevan shone brightly, scoring a goal and providing an assist, helping the team claim their first points after a narrow defeat at Celtic Park.
The two teams are set to meet again on Saturday in the League Cup, where Pressley will be eager for a repeat performance, while Stephen Robinson will be under pressure to produce a marked improvement. Motherwell's early season concerns have been largely dispelled following the departure of Jens Berthel Askou. Under Swedish manager Alfred Johansson, the Steelmen have remained unbeaten both domestically and in European competition, and a recent clean sheet against Falkirk should boost confidence as they aim for another top‑four finish. Although Motherwell appeared the stronger side in the opening phases of their most recent match, the Bairns eventually found rhythm and salvaged a point at Fir Park.
John McGlynn's squad has lost several key players, but the recent performance should provide a morale boost as they head into the first international break of the season. Overall, the weekend offered a mixture of disappointment, redemption, and promise across the Scottish Premiership, setting the stage for an intriguing campaign ahead.