Defending champions Celtic claimed yet another win to extend their unbeaten run but bitter rivals Rangers appear set for a difficult campaign.

Here, we identify five things learned from the weekend's Ladbrokes Premiershipaction.

CELTIC'S SQUAD IS GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER

In a Scottish context, Celtic's squad is frighteningly strong. Brendan Rodgers made eight changes to his side for the Betfred Cup home tie against Kilmarnock earlier in the month and thrashed Lee McCulloch's side 5-0. For the Ladbrokes Premiership trip to Rugby Park on Saturday, the Hoops boss made six changes as teenagers Kristoffer Ajer, Calvin Miller, Anthony Ralston and Kundai Benyu all started. With a back-four with an average of 19, the treble-winners coasted to a 2-0 victory through goals from James Forrest and Callum McGregor and are overwhelming favourites to capture title number seven.

FORM OF DEPARTED RANGERS QUARTET RAISES FRESH QUESTIONS OVER PEDRO CAIXINHA'S LEADERSHIP

While the Light Blues were dropping points for the second week running with a 0-0 draw against Hearts, four men dubbed surplus to requirements by Caixinha this summer were showing they have not let their Ibrox exit affect them too badly. Joe Garner and Martyn Waghorn were both on target for new side Ipswich, while Barrie McKay and Michael O'Halloran also netted for their new clubs Nottingham Forest and St Johnstone. Their old team already trail Celtic by five points just three games into the new term and there is little to suggest that the raft of players brought in by Caixinha will be any more capable of challenging the Hoops than the men he has allowed to leave.

STEVIE MAY HITS THE GROUND RUNNING FOR ABERDEEN

After 15 months out with a serious injury there was some concern that May may not possess the same deadly poaching skills he had during his St Johnstone deals. But he left boss Derek McInnes purring after netting a double for his new side on just his second start against Dundee as the Dons claimed a 2-1 Pittodrie win. He now appears to be the perfect focal point for a side already boosted by the summer additions of Ryan Christie, Gary Mackay-Steven and Greg Stewart.

WORRYING SIGNS FOR BOTTOM THREE AS THEY AWAIT FIRST POINTS

Kilmarnock, Dundee and Partick Thistle will all hope the writing is not on the wall for their campaigns already having started the new season with three straight defeats. The Jags had high hopes of matching their first-ever top six finish last term but now find themselves lagging behind their rivals after Saturday's defeat to St Johnstone. Kilmarnock - beaten 2-0 by Celtic - have also not made the start Lee McCulloch envisioned when he successfully persuaded Scotland internationals Gordon Greer, Kirk Broadfoot and Chris Burke to move to Rugby Park. Dundee too are struggling to keep opposition out and their 2-1 loss to Aberdeen means they have already shipped seven goals this season - more than any other top-flight side.

MICHAEL O'HALLORAN HAS A POINT TO PROVE

The Rangers forward found himself on the margins at Ibrox last season, but he has quickly set about giving the Ibrox faithful a reminder of his talents since rejoining St Johnstone on loan. He's been the key figure in Saints' winning start to the season with four goals in three games, and again proved at McDiarmid Park that he has a touch of quality in front of goal with his latest strike as Tommy Wright's men overcame Partick Thistle 1-0. With his return to Perth due to last only until January, the powers that be at Ibrox may already be considering a recall.