After five months of non-action, the cobwebs were blown off this weekend as the new SPFL Premiership season got underway with six fierce clashes.
As the whole country begins to come to terms with the new normal of COVID-19 precautions, Scottish Football made its first steps into competitive football since lockdown, with all 12 teams kicking off their campaigns.
Whilst it may be difficult to imagine Scottish Football without fans in the grounds, this truly unique season looks to be shaping up to be one to remember.
Here are some things we learned from the Premiership’s opening weekend.
Aberdeen lacklustre as Rangers prepare for life after Morelos
Rangers kicked off the new season with an important 1-0 victory at Pittodrie against Aberdeen. The Ibrox side looked solid, with new boy Leon Balogun impressing at the back, as the Gers look to take a title challenge to Celtic.
They struggled at times last season without Alfredo Morelos’ goals, but Rangers will be buoyed by a welcomed Ryan Kent goal, as Morelos is linked with an Ibrox exit.
Celtic may look invincible again, but Rangers are now into their third season under Steven Gerrard’s guidance and look stronger for it.
Aberdeen on the other hand will be hoping to show plenty improvement next time out as they struggled to create many clear-cut chances in the game. The Dons have gained a reputation for lacking attacking prowess in the past few seasons, and that doesn’t look to be changing any time soon, especially given the injury to star striker Sam Cosgrove.
St Mirren could be this season’s surprise package
St Mirren look like they could be this season’s Livingston as the Paisley outfit secured three points on the opening day.
The Buddies have made some tasty additions to their squad in the shape of Marcus Fraser and Richard Tait, the latter of whom scoring the winner in the sides victory against Livingston.
Celtic outcast Vakoun Bayo has also been linked with Jim Goodwin’s side which will only add to the growing confidence of the team.
Dundee United will need more than Shankland’s goals to compete in the Premiership
Newly promoted Dundee United were held to a 1-1 draw in this weekend’s Tayside derby with St Johnstone, as the Championship flag was unfurled at Tannadice.
Rumours were flying about for much of the off-season about talisman Lawrence Shankland’s future at the club, but even if the striker remains in Dundee, United will need to find goals and creativity from other places.
Manchester City loanee Luke Bolton looked like he could be an important creative addition for Dundee United, as the tangerine team seek to consolidate their status as a Premiership club.
Another season of Celtic dominance looks unavoidable
Celtic started another campaign with a monumental display against the youngsters of Hamilton, as they comfortably beat the Accies 5-1.
The Hoops looked comfortable, and barely out of second gear as French flair man Odsonne Edouard stroked home a Hat-Trick.
Celtic look stick-ons to claim their tenth straight league title in a row, and even a strong Rangers side look unlikely to be able to stop the historic feat.
(Featured Image Credit: Sports Mole)
4th Year Journalism Studies and Politics Student at Stirling University. Sports Editor. Bylines in Brig Newspaper and The Oban Times
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