St Johnstone are in their best run of league form although this isn’t saying a lot but two wins and a draw in the last four matches is improvement. The last three were with new manager (old face) Craig Levein in charge. Most telling perhaps was the last fixture a 0-1 loss away at Tynecastle. … [continue reading]
St Johnstone
Season Record “Highs” in Thumping Win
Celtic’s thumping 7-0 win over St Johnstone was certainly the catalyst for “giving good numbers”. Oooerr, missus! This was Celtic’s first 7 goal performance since beating the same opponent on the 3rd August, 2019 – the opening day of that season. Christie hattrick was supplemented by goals from Johnston, Ntcham, Edouard and Griffiths, Let’s take … [continue reading]
A Tough Nut Next for Celtic
The top two sides in Scotland over the last decade clash at Celtic Park on Saturday. Celtic’s 8th 3pm kick off of the season see’s Cup Kings St Johnstone in town. Following gallant defeat to Galatasaray in Europe, the Saints have only got two league wins over the hapless pair of Aberdeen and Dundee. The … [continue reading]
Return of the Seven
The Magnificent Seven theme rang out at Celtic Park for the first time since 15th May 2016 in Deila’s last game in charge. As a season opener, it was some statement from the champions. Needless to say, there were many numbers of interest! Suffering Saints As the season unfolds, it will become clearer whether Celtic … [continue reading]
Elhamed’s Debut
“My kingdom for a right back!”. Celtic Park witnessed the debut of erstwhile centre back cum right back Elhamed in the romp over St Johnstone. A mixture of curiosity and delight greeted the first overlap down the right. It was a day for attacking after all. His debut ended with a dead leg injury on … [continue reading]
Midfield Tweak Brings Sixcess
Against St Johnstone Rodger’s made a subtle change to the midfield shape at half time counter intuitively withdrawing McGregor deeper. And it won the game, moving Celtic 6 points clear. At the half Celtic were utterly dominant in terms of possession. With 83% possession, seven Celtic players had completed 50 or more passes but only … [continue reading]
Celtic Speed Past Maley’s Record
Celtic broke their own 100 year old unbeaten domestic record with a 63rd consecutive positive result in Perth. At the scene of their last defeat 542 days prior, the Champions firstly wore down, then cut apart, a desperately poor St Johnstone. The Glossary is your friend in times of confusion over terminology and metrics. Fast … [continue reading]
The Saints Stubborn but McGregor is Prodigal Son
An admirably organised and occasionally dangerous St Johnstone came as close as anyone to ending Celtic’s unbeaten domestic record; this now stands at 53 unbeaten. Celtic’s attacking became relentless in the final 22 minutes although it was St Johnstone who had the last chance with a Johnstone header. The Wright Approach Many sides have attempted … [continue reading]
Celtic 4 St Johnstone 1, by numbers
Celtic found their way past St Johnstone with four second half goals. An entertaining display saw several early openings as Rogic found space between the defensive and midfield lines. Once St Johnstone adapted their shape to a 4-5-1, closing off this area, chances dried up as the first half wore on. Celtic attempted 11 shots … [continue reading]