Celtic 3 – 1 St J’stone

Celtic produced a dominant show to see off St Johnstone 3-1 at Celtic Park, a victory that noticed the champions go prime of the Scottish Premiership.

The returning Kyogo opened the scoring simply earlier than half-time, earlier than additional objectives from Nicolas Kuhn – proper in the beginning of the second half – and substitute James Forrest sealed the win, regardless of a late comfort by the guests from Connor Smith.

Consequently, Brendan Rodgers’ aspect moved some extent away from rivals Rangers forward of their journey to Dundee on Sunday, stay on Sky Sports activities, whereas Saints slip to tenth within the desk, only a level away from Ross County.

How Celtic noticed off Saints to go prime of the Scottish Premiership

Kyogo was in for Adam Idah after beginning the earlier three video games on the bench, whereas Cameron Carter-Vickers recovered from a hamstring challenge to switch the injured Liam Scales.

Adama Sidibeh had one long-range effort blocked because the Perth aspect pissed off Celtic for the opening quarter, but it surely was clear the St Johnstone striker was in for a lonely afternoon.

The guests misplaced midfielder Sven Sprangler to damage with winger Max Kucheriavyi approaching, and Celtic started to put on their guests down with their first actual threats coming from a Matt O’Riley nook.

Luke Robinson twice blocked from Daizen Maeda on the road, the second time sparking a VAR examine after the ball hit his higher arm. However referee Euan Anderson was not referred to as to his display by video assistant Chris Graham.

Kuhn quickly performed in Kyogo excessive however the striker shot over together with his proper foot below stress from Ryan McGowan.

Robinson produced his third goal-line clearance to disclaim Tomoki Iwata following one other O’Riley nook.

Kyogo was getting nearer, seeing a aim disallowed for a marginal offside name after he steered residence Paulo Bernardo’s cross after which getting in behind once more solely to see his shot deflected over.

Iwata was denied by Dimitar Mitov’s flying save earlier than Celtic made their stress rely. Kyogo was fast off the mark to beat Mitov to Kuhn’s inswinging cross and head residence from 4 yards.

The goalscorer continued to threaten, stabbing Alistair Johnston’s low cross simply huge after which having one other aim disallowed for an offside towards Maeda.

He turned supplier within the opening minute of the second half, darting past the Saints defence to latch on to Greg Taylor’s good move and ship in a low cross. Kuhn confirmed good anticipation to internet from six yards.

The Japanese striker quickly fired a right-footed effort off the underside of the crossbar after being fed by O’Riley.

O’Riley noticed an formidable free-kick tipped over by Mitov earlier than organising the third aim halfway via the second half.

Iwata received the ball again deep within the Saints half and O’Riley rapidly noticed Forrest in area. The winger took a contact and rifled a left-footed strike into the nook of the online from 18 yards.

Saints obtained their aim within the 81st minute. Goalkeeper Joe Hart produced a wonderful cease from Stevie Might’s header and Smith was readily available to internet the rebound.

Johnston quickly lashed the ball into the roof of the online following a one-two however the flag went up and the choice was ratified after a prolonged VAR examine.

Celtic may have given the scoreline a more true reflection of the sport in stoppage time however Mitov saved effectively from Taylor and Iwata headed over from three yards.

What the managers stated…

St Johnstone boss Craig Levein:

What’s next?

Celtic return to Scottish Premiership after the worldwide break at Livingston on March 31, stay on Sky Sports activities. Kick-off 12pm.

St Johnstone’s subsequent sport is at residence to Dundee on March 30. Kick-off 3pm.