Rangers secured a 1-0 victory at Pittodrie, but the Record Sport Jury warns that Derek McInnes is not out of the woods despite the win. The result came after a tumultuous few days for the Rangers manager, with fans heard singing his name at full-time.
Does the win take heat off McInnes?
Keith Jackson said the win does not take off as much heat as McInnes needs, though it will have made the long trip home more enjoyable. He added that McInnes needs wins and plenty of them before the pressure eases.
Scott Burns said the victory temporarily buys him time, but Rangers must build on it. With no European football, they need a strong domestic run, and Burns warned McInnes will be back to square one if they do not beat Falkirk.
Scott McDermott said the win was undoubtedly massive, with fans singing the manager's name at the end. He praised McInnes for picking players who would put in a shift, and noted the quality shown by Gassama and Kim was a bonus, as all that mattered was three points.
What does Martin O'Neill need?
Keith Jackson said O'Neill needs to replace the running power and athleticism that Arne Engles provided to Celtic's midfield, which made life easier for Callum McGregor on the European stage. He also said cover at left-back and in goal would be handy.
Scott Burns suggested Celtic could do with at least five signings, with a midfielder to take the burden off McGregor a priority, plus a winger, two full-backs, and another keeper. Scott McDermott said a physical, dominant midfielder is a priority, with cover for left-back and another forward also needed.
Are Hearts contenders?
Keith Jackson said not quite yet, as Rangers have had a horror start but McInnes will get them going eventually, making it a battle for the runners-up spot. Scott Burns said it is too early to call, with Hearts having a good manager and the distraction of Europe, while Rangers could improve and another dark horse could emerge.
Scott McDermott said it is still very early, but the signs are encouraging for Hearts, who look capable of beating most teams in the league, though a Conference League campaign will make it harder than last season.
Is it panic time for Neil McCann?
Keith Jackson said alarm bells are clattering with no points from nine and 13 goals conceded, but McCann ended last season strongly and should have credit in the bank. Scott Burns said it is only three games in and too early for rash predictions, though McCann must tighten up his defence as Kilmarnock are leaking too many goals.
Scott McDermott said not yet, but McCann and the supporters will be concerned by the early season form, and the first thing they must do is tighten up defensively and become a hard team to play against again.
