Rangers boss Michael Beale's future is in severe doubt after a 3-1 home defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday as Celtic struck a 97th-minute winner to beat Motherwell 2-1 and extend their Scottish Premiership lead.

The Hoops are four points clear of second-placed St Mirren and seven ahead of Rangers after just seven games.

A first home league defeat to anyone other than Celtic since March 2020 leaves Beale needing patience from the Rangers board and a swift turnaround in results.

"I haven't spoken to anyone right now," said Beale when asked if he had spoken to his superiors after the game. "We'll see what happens".

The Englishman was appointed in November but was unable to prevent Celtic winning a treble of domestic trophies last season.

Beale was allowed to reconstruct his squad this summer, but nine new signings have largely underwhelmed in losing three of their opening seven league games.

"Everyone realises where we are. The standard and results need to be better," added Beale.

Stefan Gartenmann pounced on slack defending to put the Dons in front against the run of play just before half-time.

Things went from bad to worse after the break for the home side as Jamie McGrath doubled Aberdeen's lead and Scott Wright was then sent-off.

Abdallah Sima briefly reduced the 10 men's deficit, but Jack MacKenzie restored Aberdeen's two-goal cushion and secured their first win at Ibrox since 2018.

Celtic twice struck late in a remarkable finale at Fir Park as all three goals came in the final three minutes plus stoppage time.

Luis Palma's first goal for Celtic looked to have edged a tight contest when his curling effort found the far corner.

Motherwell thought they had earned a point five minutes into added time thanks to Blair Spittal's composed finish.

However, Brendan Rodgers' men were not to be denied as Matt O'Riley side-footed home at the back post on 97 minutes.

Both clubs could face further action after both sets of supporters burst onto the field in celebration at their late goals.

"Our persistence was superb. We kept going, the players kept calm which was important," said Rodgers.

"This club's history is build on late goals. It's what comes with the shirt, you've got to keep running, keep fighting until the end."

St Mirren host Rangers next weekend and moved three points clear in second thanks to a 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock.

Hearts climbed up to fourth with a 1-0 win at Ross County.

Hibs were held 0-0 at home by Dundee, while St. Johnstone remain bottom are a 1-1 draw against Livingston.