Chermitis Treble Dashes Hearts Title Hopes as Rangers and Celtic Draw Closer

Youssef Chermitis hat trick secured a 4-2 victory for Rangers against Hearts, following Celtics comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Kilmarnock 3-2 on Sunday, leaving the leading trio in the Scottish Premiership just three points apart.

Hearts, seeking to be the first team beyond the Old Firm to claim the championship in 41 years, have topped the table for most of the season.

However, their lead over Rangers, previously as large as 13 points, has shrunk to two after Danny Rohls side mounted two comebacks to triumph in an exciting clash at Ibrox.

Chermiti faced criticism in his initial months in Glasgow after a barren period at Everton.

Yet, five of the Portuguese under 21 internationals seven strikes for the club have arrived versus Hearts and Celtic.

The Jambos suffered their initial defeat in six encounters with the Glasgow powerhouses this term, even after leading twice in the opening period via Marc Leonard and Claudio Braga.

Michael Steinwenders own goal momentarily restored parity for Rangers, and Chermiti capitalised on a fortunate deflection to level once more prior to the interval.

Chermiti then nodded forcefully from Andreas Skov Olsens delivery to edge Rangers ahead shortly before the hour mark.

He sealed his maiden hat trick with a composed effort during a breakaway in the 90th minute, as the away side pressed for a leveller.

Celtic sit three points behind the leaders and possess an extra fixture against both challengers, courtesy of a stirring second half performance at Rugby Park.

The Hoops, victors in 13 of the past 14 Scottish Premiership crowns, appeared set for a setback when Tyreece John Jules and Joe Hugill netted to grant Killie a merited advantage at the break.

Interim Celtic manager Martin ONeill introduced three fresh faces and saw his bold move pay off with a dominant post interval showing that prolonged his perfect record in home games across two temporary stints this campaign.

Among the replacements, Sebastian Tounekti bent a shot into the upper corner to ignite Celtics resurgence.

The away team soon equalised as Benjamin Nygren exploited lax defending from Kilmarnock off a lengthy throw in.

Victory arrived only in the 96th minute, with right back Julian Araujo rifling home using his less favoured left boot to ignite joyous outbursts from the away followers.

This marks the third consecutive outing where ONeills squad have netted a crucial strike late in added time.

"Its tough on my wellbeing. Its truly exhausting, to be frank," remarked the 73 year old.

"Naturally, its incredibly rewarding to prevail, and to do so in the dramatic fashion we managed at the close was superb."