What have we learned from first round of Premiership?

After 11 matches, Celtic and Rangers lead the Scottish Premiership with superior defensive records, while Hearts sit third despite a strong start; Kilmarnock's poor defence has them favourites for relegation despite level points with Hibernian.

With every Scottish Premiership team having now faced one another after Wednesday's full round of fixtures, BBC Sport Scotland has assessed the key lessons from the first 11 matches of the 38-game season.

Celtic and Rangers occupy the top two positions and are on course for over 90 points this season, comfortably leading key performance metrics including expected goals, shots on target, and chances created. Both sides are the only teams conceding fewer than one goal per game on average, reflecting their financial advantages.

Hearts have impressed under Wouter Vrancken's new management, sitting third with only Celtic scoring more goals. However, injuries and an unconvincing away record—including a 7-1 defeat at Celtic Park—may hinder their ability to maintain the pace set by the Old Firm. Wednesday's 2-2 home draw with Rangers exposed their depleted squad late on.

At the bottom, Kilmarnock sit level on points with Hibernian but are bookmakers' favourites for automatic relegation due to their defensive record. They have conceded 26 goals in 11 matches, the most at this stage since Dundee in 2018-19, who were relegated. Manager Neil McCann has asked for patience, but Kilmarnock's joint-lowest goal tally means they cannot compensate for their defensive lapses.