Daijiworld Media Network - Glasgow

Glasgow, Dec 22: Celtic finally ended their four-match losing streak under new manager Wilfried Nancy with a dramatic 3-1 win over 10-man Aberdeen, scoring twice late on to secure much-needed relief at Parkhead. However, the victory still leaves the Hoops six points behind league leaders Hearts, albeit with a game in hand.

The win brought an end to Celtic’s worst run of form since 1978, though it once again highlighted Nancy’s frustrations as his side squandered a host of chances. Benjamin Nygren eventually opened the scoring from Daizen Maeda’s cross, before Aberdeen’s Dylan Lobban was sent off just before half-time for denying Maeda a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Despite hitting the woodwork five times, Celtic appeared to be heading for another setback when Kenan Bilalovic broke clear to equalise 16 minutes from time. The home side were rescued by experience, with Kieran Tierney heading in on 88 minutes before James Forrest sealed the win in stoppage time.

“I’m happy for the players, the fans, the club and the board,” Nancy said after his first victory as Celtic boss. “We hit the post five times — I’ve never seen that in my life. We deserved more and I can see improvement every game.”

Despite Celtic’s revival, Hearts strengthened their grip on the title race with a composed victory over Rangers at Tynecastle. Derek McInnes’ side have now beaten both Celtic and Rangers four times this season, fuelling belief they can become the first non-Glasgow club since Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen in 1985 to lift the Scottish title. Hearts last won the league in 1959-60.

“The bigger the game, the bigger the performance,” McInnes said. “Our points tally is where a team at the top of the league usually is, and I hope we can make this a special season.”

Rangers, who had gone eight league matches unbeaten under Danny Rohl, were undone by two goals in four minutes before half-time. Stuart Findlay headed in from a corner before Lawrence Shankland caught goalkeeper Jack Butland out at his near post. A late Youssef Chermiti goal proved little consolation as Rangers slipped 12 points behind Hearts and six adrift of Celtic.

With the Old Firm faltering, Hearts’ title charge continues to gather momentum, raising hopes of a historic season in Scottish football.