The Scottish Premiership title race has tightened dramatically after a blockbuster Sunday of matches. Celtic's 2-1 comeback win at Rugby Park, sealed by Julian Araujo's stoppage-time winner, kept them within two points of leaders Hearts, who dropped points in a 4-2 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox. Motherwell's 2-0 win over Aberdeen keeps them in contention, just 10 points behind.

Rangers' victory was powered by Youssef Chermiti's hat-trick, with the Portuguese striker continuing his redemption arc after a difficult start to life in Glasgow. The £8 million January arrival from Everton has silenced critics with crucial goals in high-stakes matches. Meanwhile, Celtic's January reinforcements including Araujo and Benjamin Nygren have made immediate impacts, with none of the weekend's goal-scorers featuring for their clubs last season when Celtic dominated the league.

The race remains wide open with Hearts leading on 57 points, Rangers on 55, and Celtic on 54 with a game in hand. Rangers boast the best defensive record among the top three, while Motherwell's unbeaten run now stretches to eight games. Former Celtic defender Jackie McNamara believes Martin O'Neill's experience could prove decisive, noting the manager's ability to inspire his squad at crucial moments.