What is going on in the Scottish Premiership? Celtic are down in sixth after worst start in 20 years

For those outside of Scotland, the Premiership appeared to have become a procession for Celtic following a stunning double-treble under Brendan Rodgers.

Almost faultless in every competition they took part in – Champions League aside – Celtic’s fear-factor was immense and rivals simply could not get close to them.

But their worst start to a league campaign in 20 years has blown the door off the hinges. Rangers look to have their swagger back under new boss Steven Gerrard and Hearts and Hibernian are continuing in their pursuit for an Edinburgh-Glasgow power-shift.

Sportsmail looks at Celtic’s early season struggles, what has clicked at Rangers and Hearts and whether, as many are fiercely debating, Celtic will go on to retain their title.  

By contrast, Steven Gerrard has his Rangers side on song as they are free-scoring in second

Hang on… Celtic are sat sixth?!

Your eyes are not deceiving you. Celtic, who have won back-to-back domestic trebles, are sat behind Hearts, Rangers, Hibernian, Livingston AND Kilmarnock after the opening six games.

A disastrous transfer window has rightly been highlighted as a key factor in the early season struggles – failing to land key targets such as midfielder (and Celtic fan) John McGinn, who went to Aston Villa, and not replacing key players such as striker Moussa Dembele has proved costly.

A shoddy transfer market has left fans exasperated, particularly after they announced record sales revenues last week of over £100million in the last financial year, leaving £27m in the bank. Not a great look sitting sixth in the table. 

Four players did arrive in the shape of Emilio Izaguirre, Youssouf Mulumbu on a free transfer and loan deals for Daniel Arzani and Filip Benkovic but they hardly got fans’ hearts racing. The game’s finest always insist to stay on top you have to continually strive for better and freshen up personnel. 

The issues in the summer were glaring and obvious and are biting hard right now.

What has Brendan Rodgers been saying?

In short, for supporters to be alarmed. That was the Northern Irishman’s message when quizzed on his side’s poor start following defeat against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. 

Having been hailed as a club hero for his achievements in recent years, this is proving his toughest test by far, with the club’s league start the worst in 20 years.

Speaking to BBC Scotland after the last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Kilmarnock, Rodgers was bullish but honest, saying: ‘I think they should, I think they should.

Brendan Rodgers admitted supporters have the right to be alarmed following their poor start

‘When you are a huge club like Celtic, the demand is to win and the last couple of years we’ve done that really well and playing in a style which is synonymous with the club.

‘So it hasn’t been the same but we have to work to make it better. You’re always under pressure if you don’t win for the big clubs.’

As for ex-Rangers striker Kris Boyd’s claims that Rodgers is managing a divided dressing room, the Northern Irishman showed he has not lost his edge.

‘I think Kris is probably best suited to getting himself into the Kilmarnock team to get playing,’ he said. Ouch. 

How is Steven Gerrard faring at Rangers?

Given the instability of Rangers in recent seasons, the former Liverpool captain has brought a discipline, tactical nous and air of confidence that was missing under predecessors Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty.

He hasn’t been stood in a bush – like Caixinha in Luxembourg – arguing with supporters which is a all anyone in the blue half of Glasgow can really ask for.

Reaching the Europa League group stages is a clear sign of the progress he has made in such a short period of time and as they sit second in the league table, there is a growing belief that this could be the year their bitter rivals are dethroned.

Steven Gerrard has brought a confidence and discipline that Rangers have lacked previously

What is making Hearts tick?

Having been in the shadow of their Glaswegian counterparts for most of the last decade at least, the football landscape in Edinburgh is stronger than ever.

Craig Levein’s Hearts are top of the pile after six games – five wins and a draw – and are the last remaining side with an unbeaten status.

Tempo, desire and burgeoning understandings between squad members is at the bedrock of success for Levein’s side but even after reaching the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup, the Jam Tarts will not be getting too giddy just yet.

Craig Levein’s side are flying high due to their tempo, desire and willingness to out play rivals

So… will Celtic still win the title?

In all likelihood yes. They have the best side, best depth and best experiences to lean on when we reach the business end of the campaign.

With World Cup players such as Tom Rogic in the attacking options, there is a sense that a swift improvement is inevitable and a mini-run of wins could quickly become a relentless accumulation of points.

But for the first time in a long time, the fear-factor around Celtic is heavily diminished. Held already by St Mirren and beaten by both Kilmarnock and Hearts, analysts and managers have the clearest idea yet as to how to beat a Rodgers side.

Whether the title ends up in Glasgow or Edinburgh, at Ibrox or Celtic Park or a total surprise takes control of the division, this could become one of the most competitive title races in recent memory.

Celtic have work to do but after winning the double-treble, they remain favourites for the title