2013-05-11: Celtic 4-0 St Johnstone, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 2012 – 2013 | 2012-13 Pictures

Trivia

• Celtic receive the trophy for winning the league.
• Scott Brown returns and starts the match.
• Celtic Planning Application to demolish the former London Road Primary School buildings beside Celtic agreed at committee. Part of plan to create new "superstore, museum, theatre, café, ticket sales, offices and associated facilities". It's been derelict for years with plans for first stage complete by 2014 commonwealth games.
• Wigan win FA Cup which includes ex Celt Shaun Maloney. Club captain and ex Celt Gary Caldwell did not play but lifted the trophy.
• Celtic have taken French defender Steven Mouyokolo (26, centre-back) on trial.
• Alex Ferguson, Man U & ex-Aberdeen boss, announces retirement from football at end of the season with his team winning the league title. He is an undoubted legend of the world game and has reigned for an incredibly long period at Man U.
• Rumours begin of a managerial merry go round. Ex Celt David Moyes to Man U and our Neil Lennon to Everton in his place.
• Neil Lennon wins Scottish Writers Manager of the Year award.

Review

(sweetleftfoot of kds)
Super performance –should have been 6 or 7.
Although he didn't score,I thought Hooper was terrific.Some of his passing and link-up
play was excellent.Brown on the right of midfield was also terrific for an hour and Forrest(what a miss),
Ledley Wanyama and Mulgrew played very well.No failures in the side against a team who knew they were
out of their depth and proceeded to put the boot in.If we play like that against Hibs the double is in the bag.

(caltonbhoy67 of KDS forum)
Celtic turn up today and play some very good football – Excellent passing and movement for a Brown inspired hour or so – We should be scoring goals for fun when we hit that kind of form (I know we won 4-0 by the end of the game) but are still not clinical enough.

Ref was a tosser.

Great hit from Ledley for the first goal.

Perth Farmers had one shot I can remember – Very poor with the obligatory late tackling.

Lomas was "puur dead raging so that was another bonus.

Fraser Wright another bonus – hun fud.

Lennon – As you would expect gave nothing away but still managed to have good pop at the huns.

Good day all round with Brown leading the way.

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Stats

Celtic v St Johnstone
Possession
34% 66%
90mins

Shots
15 1

On target
8 0

Corners
7 3

Fouls
10 12

Articles

Celtic 4 – 0 St Johnstone: Big win for champions
TheScotsman

By TOM ENGLISH
Published on 12/05/2013 02:12

NO MATTER where Neil Lennon ends up in his career – Everton or wherever – he will hardly have a less stressful afternoon than the one that brought him a second successive SPL trophy.

Scorers: Ledley 2, Mulgrew 36, Forrest 51, Wright 90

The Celtic manager may as well have replaced the dugout with a fluffy couch, may as well have removed the water bottle from his mouth and had a giant cigar instead. From the first minute, when Joe Ledley’s thumping shot from outside the box put the home team ahead, to the last, when an own goal brought up number four, Celtic had not a second’s concern. This was a championship sealed with a stroll. Lennon’s players may as well have worn slippers.

On the pitch in the aftermath, Lennon praised his team, the fans and had a thinly coded message for absent chums. “To celebrate 125 years of unique and unbroken history with a title is something very special,” he said. Ouch.

Later he referred back to Rangers. “This title is better [than last season] because it’s the next one,” he said. “We’ve proved we’re not a flash in the pan. I know there will be a lot of people out there saying there was no Rangers, it was a one-horse race. In essence there is something to that and we are not going to hide away from it.”

This was probably the first time Lennon has given any credence to the view that a title without Rangers as a rival is a lesser title. Interesting and honest stuff from the Celtic manager. “But we have a job to do here,” he added.

“We have a responsibility to win trophies. It’s in the DNA of the club, as is doing it in a certain way. These are days you want to cherish. It’s important that the players appreciate them because they go very, very quickly.”

Celtic did it in the most emphatic way yesterday. They had energy and brio, nobody bringing more attitude to proceedings than Scott Brown, making his first appearance since facing Juventus in mid-February. Brown never looked like he’d been away. He lasted an hour and left to a rapturous ovation. “Special,” he said, later. “Always special.”

Celtic looked alive from the first whistle, looked like they didn’t just want to take the trophy on the back of a win, but a resounding win. They were playing to preserve the aesthetic of the day. A scratchy win or worse – dropped points – wasn’t something they were going to allow. They had some good fortune to set them on their way, but once ahead they never looked back.

The piece of luck came in the build-up to Ledley’s opener, a Gary Hooper handball that went undetected by referee Alan Muir. Not that the offence made Ledley’s job any easier, of course. He was still a distance out from Alan Mannus’ goal when he hit it. And what a hit, high and handsome and away into the top left corner of the St Johnstone net. Mannus wouldn’t have reached it had he been given springs instead of studs on his boots.

One minute old and the game was done. There are certain days at Celtic Park when you know that they’re on their mettle and impervious to a fightback. This was one of those days. “Everyone was bang at it,” said Lennon. They set the tempo, owned the ball, created the chances. They pegged the visitors back for vast chunks of the game in the manner of a boxer pushing his opponent to the ropes. Mikael Lustig had a shot tipped away by Mannus, Brown had a shot charged down. All the while there was a hunger about Celtic that made a second goal a certainty and sure enough it came, 35 minutes after the first. The only surprise was that it took so long. It was a strange one, a devilish free-kick by Charlie Mulgrew whipped in from the right and taking a glance off the head of Patrick Cregg along the way and, possibly, another tiny touch off Anthony Stokes before it bounced past Mannus.

Whoever got the final touch, the impressive thing was the initial delivery. A Mulgrew special.

The procession continued. Early in the second half, Brown burst through the midfield, fed Gary Hooper who shipped it on to James Forrest, a bundle of energy all afternoon. On the right-hand side of the penalty area, Forrest drilled his shot across Mannus and into the far corner.

Before the end, a fourth arrived, a present from the head of Frazer Wright off a Mulgrew corner that bamboozled the defender. Wright could, and probably should, have been off the pitch before then having caught Lustig with an elbow not long before. As he emphatically nutted past his own goalkeeper he might have pined for the red card.

Celtic pined for nothing. Throughout the day the home support were shouting not for three in a row, or four, but ten, a serenading that Lennon smiled at. “It’s a long way off,” he said. “Next target is the third and we’ll take it step by step. You can never take these achievements for granted. Ten in a row seems a long way off. Eventually Rangers will come back and put in strong opposition. In the next few years I would imagine.”

Lennon said that he was going to spend today watching some players – namely, transfer targets – but wouldn’t say who. He said he was planning for next season and that nobody had been in touch from Everton. Business as usual, then. On all fronts.

BBC
By Clive Lindsay BBC Scotland Sport

Celtic celebrated the presentation of the Scottish Premier League trophy by delivering a blow to St Johnstone's Europa League qualification hopes.

It was a stroll at Celtic Park from the first minute, when Joe Ledley fired powerfully into the far corner.

Anthony Stokes claimed he had got a touch on a Charlie Mulgrew free-kick that curled in at the back post.

After the break, James Forrest drilled low into the far corner and Frazer Wright added a late own-goal.

Before kick-off, manager Neil Lennon had again failed to rule out a move to Everton to fill the vacancy created by his fellow Celtic old boy David Moyes' summer switch to Manchester United.

But the fact Lennon's team could swat aside the challenge of fourth-top Saints without reaching the heights of their own capabilities might not have done much for his chances of landing the Everton job should he want it.
Charlie Mulgrew and Scott Brown celebrate

Brown (right) was back in the Celtic line-up after three months out through injury

This was a victory as emphatic as the 16-point gap it opened up between Celtic and second-placed Motherwell pending the afternoon fixtures and gave ammunition to those who argue the SPL is not the sternest test of the Northern Irishman's abilities.

Countryman Steve Lomas and his St Johnstone side had travelled from Perth in confident mood, looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven games.

They also arrived unbeaten in the previous three SPL meetings between the sides this season.

However, with the exception of stomach-bug victim Kris Commons, Celtic were back to near full strength after recent time off for some before their Scottish Cup final against Hibernian.

Perhaps the most significant return was that of captain Scott Brown after a three-month absence and an early characteristic thrust into the opposing penalty box by the Scotland midfielder started the move that led to the opening goal.

It followed a brief Saints foray up to the other end of the park and there also were hints of a handball by Gary Hooper in the build-up.
Play media

Ledley took full advantage of anything missed by the officials to power a drive into the far corner of the net after Forrest had played it across the edge of the penalty box.

Saints goalkeeper Alan Mannus had scooped a Mikael Lustig shot clear at full stretch by the time Celtic extended their lead after 36 minutes.

Mulgrew swept in a trademark free-kick that deceived Mannus as it curled across a forest of brows and into the unguarded net at the back post.

If Stokes was right to claim the goal, it could only have been courtesy of a couple of split ends on the top of the Irish striker's skull.

Hibs-bound Liam Craig, who started in midfield ahead of the injured Chris Millar, should have pulled one back shortly after the break but volleyed a Steven McLean cross wildly over at the back post.

However, Forrest killed the game as a contest six minutes into the second half when he fired a 16-yard drive low into the far corner after being sent free by Gary Hooper on the break.

Forrest missed a great chance for his second when he blasted over from 14 yards, while Georgios Samaras also volleyed narrowly wide from close range.

Saints substitute Nigel Hasselbaink finally forced Celtic goalkeeper Frazer Forster into a save after 77 minutes, but it was a momentarily lapse for the comfortable Celtic defence.

The champions finally added to their tally when Wright powerfully headed a Mulgrew corner in the wrong direction and into his own net.

Saints' defeat – one goal short of the drubbing they received at Celtic Park in the Scottish Communities League Cup – leaves the Perth side a point behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who could now clinch the remaining European spot with victory over Dundee United.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +3:01 Full time

Full Time The referee signals the end of the game.
90:00 +0:23

The assist for the goal came from Charlie Mulgrew.
90:00 +0:23 Goal scored

Goal – Frazer Wright – Celtic 4 – 0 St J'stone Frazer Wright concedes an own goal. Celtic 4-0 St Johnstone.
89:51

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Charlie Mulgrew,
88:13

Nigel Hasselbaink fouled by Victor Wanyama, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Liam Caddis from right wing, clearance by Victor Wanyama.
86:31

Headed effort on goal by Gary Hooper from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.
80:25

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Liam Craig, Charlie Mulgrew manages to make a clearance.
83:35 Substitution

Substitution Emilio Izaguirre leaves the field to be replaced by Beram Kayal.
82:55 Booking

Booking Booking for Mikael Lustig for dissent.
81:21

A cross is delivered by Liam Craig, Joe Ledley makes a clearance. Corner taken right-footed by Liam Craig, Joe Ledley makes a clearance.
80:25

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Liam Craig, clearance by Charlie Mulgrew.
79:50

Georgios Samaras sends in a cross, blocked by Liam Craig.
79:01

The referee blows for offside against Gregory Tade. Fraser Forster restarts play with the free kick.
73:14 Substitution

Substitution Steven MacLean leaves the field to be replaced by Liam Caddis.
72:35

Free kick taken by Victor Wanyama.
72:35 Booking

Booking Patrick Cregg is booked.
72:27

Patrick Cregg gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Joe Ledley.
71:49 Substitution

Substitution Dylan McGeouch is brought on as a substitute for James Forrest.
70:06

Callum Davidson takes the direct free kick.
70:06 Booking

Booking The referee shows Georgios Samaras a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
70:00

Georgios Samaras challenges Liam Craig unfairly and gives away a free kick.
68:15

Centre by Emilio Izaguirre, Close range effort by Georgios Samaras misses to the left of the target.
67:12

Effort on goal by Georgios Samaras from just outside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the target.
66:30

Nigel Hasselbaink crosses the ball, Kelvin Wilson manages to make a clearance.
65:14

Steven MacLean crosses the ball.
64:00

Free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
64:00 Booking

Booking Booking for Murray Davidson for unsporting behaviour.
63:29

Murray Davidson fouled by Anthony Stokes, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Liam Craig. Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Emilio Izaguirre by Murray Davidson.
59:48

Charlie Mulgrew produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.
59:48 Substitution

Substitution Nigel Hasselbaink joins the action as a substitute, replacing Rowan Vine.
59:48 Substitution

Substitution Georgios Samaras comes on in place of Scott Brown.
59:48

Liam Craig gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Anthony Stokes.
58:57

Mikael Lustig restarts play with the free kick.
58:57 Substitution

Substitution Thomas Scobbie goes off and Callum Davidson comes on.
58:57

Murray Davidson challenges Joe Ledley unfairly and gives away a free kick.
57:50

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Liam Craig, Gregory Tade gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Victor Wanyama. Fraser Forster restarts play with the free kick.
57:03

James Forrest produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that goes over the bar.
53:42

Scott Brown gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gregory Tade. Liam Craig crosses the ball in from the free kick, clearance by Scott Brown.
53:18

Scott Brown challenges Liam Craig unfairly and gives away a free kick. Alan Mannus takes the direct free kick.
52:33

The offside flag is raised against Anthony Stokes. Alan Mannus restarts play with the free kick.
51:00

Gary Hooper provided the assist for the goal.
51:00 Goal scored

Goal – James Forrest – Celtic 3 – 0 St J'stone James Forrest finds the net with a goal from inside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Celtic 3-0 St Johnstone.
48:50 Booking

Booking Rowan Vine goes into the book.
48:45 Booking

Booking Victor Wanyama is shown a yellow card.
45:49

Steven MacLean sends in a cross, Shot by Liam Craig from just outside the area goes over the net.
45:01

The second half has started.
45:00 +1:30 Half time

Half Time The whistle is blown to end the first half.
45:00 +0:31

Charlie Mulgrew gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven MacLean. Free kick taken by David MacKay.
44:53

Emilio Izaguirre takes a shot. Save made by Alan Mannus.
44:02

The ball is swung over by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance made by Frazer Wright. Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Charlie Mulgrew, Frazer Wright makes a clearance.
42:31

Emilio Izaguirre crosses the ball, clearance made by Steven Anderson.
40:45

James Forrest takes a shot. Save by Alan Mannus. James Forrest takes a short corner. James Forrest produces a cross.
39:12

Unfair challenge on James Forrest by Murray Davidson results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by James Forrest.
35:19

Assist on the goal came from Scott Brown.
35:19 Goal scored

Goal – Charlie Mulgrew – Celtic 2 – 0 St J'stone Charlie Mulgrew finds the net with a shot from the free kick. Celtic 2-0 St Johnstone.
34:34

Foul by Gregory Tade on Scott Brown, free kick awarded.
34:03

Scott Brown takes a shot. Blocked by Frazer Wright.
32:37

A cross is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre.
31:31

Joe Ledley sends in a cross, drilled right-footed shot by Mikael Lustig. Alan Mannus makes a save.
30:42

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Charlie Mulgrew from the right by-line, clearance by Murray Davidson.
29:48

Unfair challenge on Patrick Cregg by Scott Brown results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Frazer Wright.
29:23

The ball is crossed by Emilio Izaguirre.
27:45

The ball is crossed by Gary Hooper, Anthony Stokes has an effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the right of the goal.
26:44

Murray Davidson concedes a free kick for a foul on Gary Hooper. Free kick crossed left-footed by Charlie Mulgrew, Thomas Scobbie manages to make a clearance.
25:19

Liam Craig gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Anthony Stokes. Emilio Izaguirre takes the direct free kick. The ball is delivered by James Forrest, Patrick Cregg makes a clearance. Outswinging corner taken by Charlie Mulgrew, Rowan Vine manages to make a clearance.
24:31

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gregory Tade by Victor Wanyama. Rowan Vine crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from left channel, clearance by Victor Wanyama.
21:34

The ball is sent over by Emilio Izaguirre.
21:27

The ball is sent over by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance by David MacKay.
18:13

Direct free kick taken by Mikael Lustig.
18:13 Booking

Booking Frazer Wright is shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
18:02

Frazer Wright challenges James Forrest unfairly and gives away a free kick.
17:12

Direct free kick taken by Thomas Scobbie.
17:12 Booking

Booking The referee shows James Forrest a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
16:55

Gregory Tade fouled by James Forrest, the ref awards a free kick.
15:38

Victor Wanyama takes a shot. Steven Anderson gets a block in.
14:07

The ball is sent over by Charlie Mulgrew.
13:18

The ball is crossed by Emilio Izaguirre, blocked by David MacKay. Corner taken left-footed by Charlie Mulgrew from the left by-line, David MacKay makes a clearance.
12:54

Unfair challenge on Emilio Izaguirre by Rowan Vine results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Emilio Izaguirre.
11:36

Victor Wanyama crosses the ball, clearance by Steven Anderson.
9:10

Mikael Lustig crosses the ball, clearance by Frazer Wright.
6:39

Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Mikael Lustig misses to the right of the target.
5:30

Steven MacLean gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Victor Wanyama. Charlie Mulgrew takes the free kick.
4:25

Liam Craig fouled by Victor Wanyama, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Alan Mannus.
3:06

Corner taken by Charlie Mulgrew, clearance by Patrick Cregg.
1:02

Assist on the goal came from James Forrest.
1:02 Goal scored

Goal – Joe Ledley – Celtic 1 – 0 St J'stone Joe Ledley finds the net with a goal from just outside the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Celtic 1-0 St Johnstone.
0:31

The ball is delivered by Steven MacLean, clearance by Mikael Lustig.
0:00

The match gets underway.

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