5 things we learned from the Scottish Premiership matches

Celtic celebrate a goal against Dundee United. Picture: SNS

1. Things can get worse for Kilmarnock

After Kilmarnock lost 4-0 at home to Dundee on the opening day, striker Josh Magennis declared they could not stoop any lower. His theory was blown apart on Saturday when Killie shipped four against Ross County at Rugby Park inside 45 minutes, including two inside the opening four minutes. Only goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald prevented the final score from being even worse.

2. Hearts are still relentless

Hearts have started this season better than they did in their successful Championship campaign. A 3-0 victory over Partick Thistle kept them on top and they have Hamilton and Inverness to play before facing last season’s top two, Aberdeen and Celtic, in consecutive weeks.

And Nigerian international Juwon Oshaniwa reckons Hearts can challenge for the title insisting that he didn’t come to Scotland for a picnic.

3. Inverness Caledonian Thistle need a forward

After losing Marley Watkins and Edward Ofere in the summer, not to mention Billy Mckay’s exit in January, Inverness are in need of more threat in front of goal. Caley Thistle made it four games without a goal in front of their home fans as Hamilton won 2-0 in the Highland capital on Saturday. John Hughes promised more trialist forwards this week - currently Dani Lopez is the club’s only recognised forward - and he needs to unearth a gem to repeat last season’s success.

Dejection for Jamie Macdonald and Kilmarnock as they crash to a 4-0 home defeat. Picture: SNS

4. Celtic reserves are pretty good

Celtic made nine changes for their trip to Tannadice but were still able to field nine full internationals while new signing Scott Allan was on the bench. Logan Bailly started in goal while Tom Rogic, Eoghan O’Connell and Anthony Stokes were among the starting XI while Leo Fasan, Stefan Scepovic and Joe Thomson all made the bench. They should have been out of sight at half-time but still eased to a 3-1 victory over Dundee United with substitute Callum McGregor among the goals.

5. Motherwell miss Stephen Pearson

The midfielder’s charge forward sparked Motherwell’s first goal of the season inside four minutes at Inverness, but his rash challenge on Gary Warren led to injuries to both players.

Motherwell have missed his drive and energy and have since lost all four games following their Highland triumph, including Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at St Johnstone.

The Steelmen have only picked up two points in the eight fixtures Pearson has missed since his return to Fir Park.