Rangers’ dreadful defeat against Hibernian handed Celtic an opportunity to extend their lead to 16 points at the top of the Premiership standings. They were firm favourites to clinch a commanding win against bottom-placed St Johnstone; however, the struggling home side scripted the upset of the season. They earned a surprise lead early into the game, thanks to Daniels Balodis’ thumping header, and their resolute defending prevented the mighty Bhoys from staging a comeback.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 1-0 defeat against St Johnstone.
Viljami Sinisalo: 7
Could not have done much to stop Balodis’ goal. Did well to deny Stephen Duke-McKenna’s stunning strike from outside the box.
Alistair Johnston: 6.5
Balanced his game between defence and attack. But the Canadian could not offer much to turn things around with his crosses and cut-insides from the right.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7
Could not stop Balodis from heading home. Looked nervous against the home side’s direct play and swift transitions with long balls and set-pieces.
Auston Trusty: 6.5
Reclaimed his starting status, replacing Maik Nawrocki. But the USMNT centre-half was not always decisive with his clearances and challenges from the heart of the backline.
Jeffrey Schlupp: 6.5
A foul conceded by the veteran Ghanaian in the early minutes led to Balodis’ goal. Tried to threaten with overlapping runs, but he struggled to cover the ground behind him when the Saints staged counter attacks. Made way for Greg Taylor at half-time.
Callum McGregor: 6
An afternoon to forget for the Scotsman as he failed to dictate the tempo from the centre of the pitch. The hosts stopped him from controlling possession and moving freely as the ball-carrier. Kept on losing duels and challenges throughout the contest.
Arne Engels: 6.5
A below-par performance from the Belgian, who lacked accuracy with his set-pieces and long balls. Won a few midfield duels, but he could not cause enough menace in and around the attacking third. Was replaced by Luke McCowan midway through the second half.
Reo Hatate: 8
The only Celtic player who showed some intent this afternoon. Kept on creating chances with his box-to-box runs, forced Andrew Fisher to make a crucial save and was also denied by the woodwork early into the second half.
Nicolas Kuhn: 6
Was denied off the line by McKenna after Fisher spilled Daizen Maeda’s shot. Failed to create anything spectacular from the flank other than a couple of off-target attempts and successful dribbles. Was taken off for Yang at the half-time break.
Jota: 6.5
Drew a few fouls while attempting to dribble past his opponents from the left-hand flank. Had a few goal attempts, but his efforts could not trouble the Saints’ custodian.
Daizen Maeda: 6.5
A rare blank for the Japanese ace despite having a few opportunities to find an equalizer. Could not come up with ideas after the break, and therefore, was replaced by Adam Idah around the hour mark.
Celtic Subs vs St Johnstone
Hyun-Jun Yang: 6.5
Regardless of his pace, flair and finesse, the young Korean failed to make any notable contribution.
Greg Taylor: 7
Was lively down the left, but he lacked enough support high up the pitch while making marauding runs.
Adam Idah: 6.5
Dominated the duels as he tried to inject directness in the Hoops’ attack. But the Irishman could not find the net as well.
Luke McCowan: 6.5
Looked desperate in the closing minutes with his passing and swift one-twos to open up space in a resolute St Johnstone defence.
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