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Celtic returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 win against St Mirren at Celtic Park, and were able to stretch their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 13 points after Rangers hiccupped at Hibs in an entertaining 3-3 draw at Easter Road.
On the other side of the capital, Hearts picked up a mammoth win in their battle to avoid the drop as James Penrice bagged the games only goal in a 1-0 win over high-flying Dundee United. Aberdeen couldn’t take advantage though, as their miserable run of form continued at Motherwell, where they lost 2-0 and saw key defender Slobodan Rubežić sent off.
Elsewhere, Ross County picked up a huge win in their bid to avoid the drop by beating Kilmarnock 1-0 at Rugby Park, while Dundee were comfortable winners at basement club St Johnstone, running out 3-1 winners in Perthshire.
But who were the players who stood out for their teams this weekend? Who were the weekend heroes that it was a happy new year for their sides?
Here, The Scotsman look at the XI players who were rated as the league’s best performing players this weekend, using player ratings from popular football website FotMob in a 4-3-3 formation, complete with live photos from the weekend’s fixtures.
5. LB: James Penrice - Hearts
The left-wing back has been a real source of creation for Hearts this season, and produced again in the massive 1-0 win over Dundee United at the weekend, where he scored the games winning goal. Awarded an 8.5 ranking for his performance, he won 100% of his tackles and racked up 11 defensive actions - including three headed clearances and five recoveries. | SNS Group
6. CM: Nectar Triantis - Hibs
The on loan Sunderland man is beginning to make regular appearances in the Scottish Premiership team of the week, and his 8.2 ranking in the 3-3 draw with Rangers results in his inclusion once again. The Aussie midfielder won 100% of his tackles, 100% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels. Unbeatable. | SNS Group
7. CM: Arne Engels - Celtic
Another who shone on his return to the Celtic starting XI, the young Belgian was rated at 8.1 for his display in the weekend win over St Mirren. He claimed one assist, a 90% passing accuracy rate and created two chances for Brendan Rodgers' team. | SNS Group
8. CM: Lyall Cameron - Dundee
Whisper it quietly, but the 22-year-old Dundee starlet is quickly becoming one of the league's biggest young talents. Scored again in the 3-1 weekend win over St Johnstone to take his goal contribution tally to nine for the season, and was rated at 7.9 for his performance. | SNS Group