Celtic & Rangers fight for Scottish Premiership title

It’s a part of the season where performance very much becomes secondary. Even still, both Celtic and Rangers have been far from flawless throughout this term.

Between the pair, they have failed to win 18 games between them – Rangers losing six and drawing three, while Celtic have lost three and drawn six.

The fragility both sides have shown at times, which has made a captivating title race all the more absorbing, was apparent in spells on Sunday.

Rangers rode their luck against St Mirren in Paisley, especially in the first half, but gritted their teeth to edge to a victory thanks to the 20th goal the maligned Cyriel Dessers’ debut season.

Celtic’s luck-riding was done in the second period against Dundee at Dens Park, but a double from James Forrest – making his first start since November – ensured the leaders restored their three-point advantage.

“The performance doesn’t matter, it’s all about the result,” former Rangers striker Steven Thompson said on Sportsound.

Fellow former Ibrox forward Billy Dodds echoed that view, adding: “At this stage – with the nerves and with what’s at stake – all that matters is getting three points. That’s what Celtic and Rangers did [on Sunday].”

Meanwhile, Philippe Clement rhymed off his usual “I’m only busy with Rangers” line, but the Ibrox boss hailed his side’s “character” and “resilience” as Rodgers praised the “spirit” of his squad.

It goes without saying, whoever demonstrates those three qualities best will almost certainly prove to be decisive in the four remaining games.