The startling Celtic and Rangers goal difference swing that underlines title momentum shift

There's a markedly different feel to the post-winter break title race and it's reflected in the Premiership table.

When Scotland's top flight when into hibernation following December 29's tussle between Celtic and Rangers, the momentum flowed firmly towards one side of Glasgow.

Steven Gerrard's side had wrestled a major monkey from their back in putting their rivals to the sword on their own turf.

Even before then, there was a neck and neck tension permeating the long road to the league flag.

Yet, here we are in the first week of February and the picture has altered.

An underwhelming run from Rangers leaves them clinging to Celtic's coat-tails little more than a month after laying down what looked to be a major title marker.

The swing is not only highlighted in the seven point deficit - although Rangers have played a game less - but in goal difference.

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Celtic's Scott Brown (centre) leads the celebrations at full time during a Ladbrokes Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park, on February 05, 2020, in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) (2020 SNS Group)

When the final whistle went at Celtic Park, the teams were inseparable on that front.

But in just five games since domestic action resumed there's been a 12 goal shift that gives Celtic an extra cushion should their foes begin to reel in the points deficit to pre-New Year levels.

Neil Lennon's team have hit 17 goals in those five fixtures compared to Rangers' six.

Six different players have notched for the league leaders in that period, with five finding the net for the Ibrox side.

Celtic's goal blitz has included three against Kilmarnock, Ross County and St Johnstone followed by smashing four past Hamilton and Motherwell.

It's stark contrast to the side which trudged into the winter break.

Prior to their derby loss, the title holders were scraping their way to results. That, in fairness, is a quality in itself.

Now, however, they're firing on all cylinders and its Rangers toiling to find top gear.

And in a battle which some touted as potentially swaying on goal difference, this is a shift which can't be ignored.

Here's how the table looked pre and post winter break.

29/12    P    W   D   L  GD  Pts

Celtic     20  17   1   2    42   52

Rangers 19  17    2  1    42   50

6/2       P     W   D   L   GD  Pts

Celtic    25   22  1    2   57   67

Rangers 24  19  3    2   45  60