Matchday 13 in the Scottish Premiership entailed a mix of outcomes for the Australian contingent. As some flourished to new heights – others struggled for minutes, as the league enters the international break.
Ange Postecoglou
Dundee 2 – Celtic 4
Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic put on a clinical display away from home at Dens Park. In an energetic performance, the hoops showed no sign of fatigue, despite their short turnover from the midweek Europa league triumph.
It was Celtic’s fourth win away from home, as Postecoglou’s men are stringing together their best performances this year while they continue to put pressure on table leaders Rangers.
In what could be described as a typical Ange performance, the proceedings personified Postecoglou’s managerial philosophy. Through an attacking mindset and maintaining high defensive pressure on every touch, Celtic had full control over the evenings proceedings – through acquiring 82% of possession and 24 shots to five, Dundee was merely no match for the hoops.
Postecoglou praised his sides performance despite the intense fixturing they have dealt with this week.
“It was an important three points and there was some excellent football at times… considering the tough Thursday night game where we got back late from Europe, it was all going to be a real test for the boys in terms of their energy and drive and I think they [matched] that” Postecoglou told Celtic TV.
There was still no sign of Tom Rogic this week, as he continues to battle his hamstring injury. It is understood that Celtic are hopeful he will be back in time for the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup in two weeks.
Currently, Celtic sit second in the premiership, four points behind table leaders Rangers, as the league enters the international break.
Upcoming fixture: Celtic vs St Johnstone – Sunday 21 November 4:15 am AEDT, Scottish League Cup Semi Final
Cameron Devlin
Hearts 5 – Dundee United 2
It was arguably the best performance of any Australian overseas this weekend, as Cameron Devlin strung together a world class 90-minute performance to help his side overcome Dundee United in a seven-goal thriller.
The Hearts were coming off their first loss of the season last week, which rendered some critics to question whether the Jambos hot run of form was set to come to an end. However, to quell any doubts, the Hearts put together an inspirational performance including some world class goals and outstanding individual performances, including a brace from Ben Woodburn.
Devlin has continued his outstanding start to his career in Scotland, as he set up Ben Woodburn’s first goal in the 22nd minute, which was his first assist of the season. To top off his superb performance, Devlin maintained a 90% pass accuracy, completed five out of five long passes and won nine out of 13 duels throughout the match.
Certainly, Devlin is well and truly becoming a fan favourite for the Scottish side as supporters have commended his work ethic and ability to get under the opposition’s skin, which has all added to his growing public figure.
Even though Devlin has reached new peaks in Scotland, Graham Arnold has opted not to include Devlin in the Socceroos upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and China PR. However, if Devlin can maintain his current form, Arnold will have no choice but to consider him for future qualifiers.
The win keeps the Jambos in third place as they continue their impressive run after being promoted this season. They are currently situated six points behind table leaders Rangers.
Upcoming fixture: Motherwell vs Hearts Sunday 21 November 2:00 am AEDT, Matchday 14
Ashley Maynard-Brewer
Rangers 4 – Ross County 2
Despite a respectable performance, Ashley Maynard-Brewer was unable to cause an upset of the season against table leaders Rangers away from home at the Ibrox.
It was always going to be a significant challenge for the young Olyroos shot stopper, coming up against Steve Gerrard’s men. Despite Ross County taking the lead early on, it was one way traffic for the rest of the match. Through a culmination of over 20 shots on Maynard-Brewer’s goal and the Rangers upholding 68% of possession, Ross County were simply unable to keep on par with the Rangers.
Maynard-Brewer was able to make an integral save in the second half, after a close-range effort from Rangers attacker Kemar Roofe. However, highlights were few and far between as defensive woes proved critical, including an own goal in the 60th minute which summed up the night for the Staggies.
Ross County will need to turn around their season promptly as they are currently placed bottom of the table with only six points in 12 matches.
Upcoming fixture: Ross County vs Hibernian Thursday 25 November 6:45am AEDT, Matchday 12
In other news surrounding Australians in the SPL
Martin Boyle: The equal top goal scorer in the league will have to wait until after the international break to play in the Premiership. Currently, Hibernian are unable to play any of their scheduled fixtures after a Covid-19 outbreak has ravaged through the club, with many players and staff members currently isolating with the virus.
However, Boyle has still managed to be included in the Socceroos squad for the upcoming qualifiers despite the current situation at Hibernian.
Matthew Miller: Not included in squad for St Mirren as they drew 0-0 to St. Johnstone away from home on Sunday.
Jason Cummings – Cummings sat on the bench as they lost to Cameron Devlin’s Hearts on Sunday.
Alex Robertson: The young Manchester City loanee did not feature off the bench for Ross County as they loss to Rangers 4-2.
