2019-02-10: Celtic 5-0 St Johnstone, Scottish Cup

Trivia

Review

(Gallowgate of KDS)
Another excellent performance, this time with the goals tally we’ve been threatening to get to. Every player firing and a special mention to Burke, Sinclair and Broony.

Burke looks a quality centre forward, big, strong, exceptionally quick, awareness, touch, makes and scores goals and absolutely works his socks off.

Sinclair is back to his best. Like many on here, I never thought we would see that again. Even in poor spells though, he’s always scored goals for us. Players like this are invaluable to a team even when seemingly off it.

Broony is back to his best and deferred his pension yet again. He is Mr Celtic on the pitch when fully fit and one of the best signings we’ve ever made. His goal today was something else.

Teams

Celtic

29Bain
2Toljan
20Boyata
5Simunovic Substituted for Ajer at 45'minutes
15HayesBooked at 73mins
8Brown
42McGregor
49Forrest
17Christie Substituted for Edouard at 62'minutes
11Sinclair
25Burke Substituted for Weah at 67'minutes
Substitutes
1Gordon
6Bitton
22Edouard
23Lustig
30Weah
35Ajer

St Johnstone

1Clark
19Foster
15Kerr
5Shaughnessy
3Tanser
27Goss Substituted forWattat 45'minutes
10Wotherspoon
8Davidson Substituted forCallachanat 67'minutes
26Craig
33Kennedy Substituted forKeownat 60'minutes
9Kane
Substitutes
4Alston
11Swanson
12Bell
17O'Halloran
28Callachan
31Keown
32Watt

Referee:
Nick Walsh
Attendance:
28,404

Articles

• Match Report (see end of page below)

Pictures

• Match Pictures

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MOTM

• Voting Thread
• Result Thread
• Winner –

Stats

CelticAway TeamSt Johnstone
Possession
Home53%
Away47%
Shots
Home13
Away1
Shots on Target
Home7
Away1
Corners
Home4
Away4
Fouls
Home7
Away11

Articles

Celtic 5-0 St Johnstone: Scott Sinclair nets treble as Hoops advance to Scottish Cup quarter-finals

Stephen Halliday
Published: 15:36 Sunday 10 February 2019

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/celtic/celtic-5-0-st-johnstone-scott-sinclair-nets-treble-as-hoops-advance-to-scottish-cup-quarter-finals-1-4870998

The domestic bliss Celtic have experienced under Brendan Rodgers shows no signs of being disturbed as they relentlessly close in on another clean sweep of silverware.

St Johnstone were swept aside with maximum efficiency and minimum fuss as Rodgers’ side reached both the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup and yet another landmark moment under his record-breaking tenure.

This was Celtic’s 24th straight victory in domestic cup ties, a new all-time best in Scottish football as they eclipsed the run of 23 wins set by Walter Smith’s Rangers from 1992 to 1994.

On their current form, few would bet against Celtic extending the sequence all the way to another triumphant afternoon at Hampden in May. A hat-trick from Scott Sinclair, a long-range stunner from captain Scott Brown and a tidy finish from James Forrest adorned this rout of a St Johnstone outfit who have suffered more than most against them.

This was the fifth meeting of the teams this season, the third in the last 11 days, and Celtic have won the lot with an aggregate score of 16-0. At this rate, Tommy Wright and his players may be tempted to try and finish outside the top six of the Premiership in order to avoid facing their torturers again in this campaign.

Saints goalkeeper Zander Clark had excelled in many of the four previous clashes with Celtic, often sparing the Perth men from heavier defeats. But Clark wouldn’t have been satisfied with his part in the third minute goal which set Celtic on their way to another comfortable victory.

The build-up from the champions was excellent, Jeremy Toljan and Forrest combining slickly on the right to send Oliver Burke scampering into the penalty area. Burke’s low ball across the face of the six yard box found its way to Sinclair whose first time left foot shot beat the unusually hesitant Clark at his near post.

Sinclair getting on the scoresheet is a familiar sight for the Celtic fans, the his treble here taking his tally to 16 in another productive season on that front for the winger. But the goal which doubled the lead just six minutes later was a real collector’s item.

St Johnstone had a hand in their own downfall once more, some unconvincing defending culminating in Scott Tanser’s weak attempt to clear the ball merely succeeding in rolling it into the path of Brown.

The Celtic skipper strode onto it in imperious fashion and unleashed a rising right foot shot from around 22 yards beyond the left hand of the helpless Clark into the top corner of the net. Brown lapped up the acclaim of the home fans as he celebrated his first goal for two years.

It already looked like a case of ‘job done’ for the cup holders but to St Johnstone’s credit, they at least emerged from the worst possible start to the tie to restore some kind of competitive edge to it for a spell.

Scott Bain, whose status as Celtic’s new first choice ‘keeper looks more secure with every passing week, was called into action to prevent Saints halving the deficit in the 31st minute. Jonny Hayes, looking less than wholly comfortable with his defensive duties as a stand-in left-back for Celtic with both Kieran Tierney and Emilio Izaguirre unavailable, surrendered possession cheaply to Richard Foster who made ground to deliver an inviting cutback for Chris Kane. The striker’s well struck close range shot was brilliantly kept out by Bain, diving at full stretch to his right.

That close call prompted Celtic to move back into top gear, Burke once more sprinting free into the penalty area but on this occasion Sinclair was unable to connect with the low cross.
Celtic's Oliver Burke celebrates scoring against Hibs with Timothy Weah. Picture: SNS
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Saints made a spirited end to the first half, forging a couple of decent chances in quick succession as headers from Kane and Murray Davidson were blocked.

Both teams made changes at the start of the second half, Tony Watt replacing Sean Goss in a more attack-minded Saints set-up, while Kristoffer Ajer took over from Jozo Simunovic in central defence for Celtic.

Before the visitors could bring any momentum to their unlikely hopes of a comeback, the tie was settled beyond all doubt as Celtic made as vibrant a start to the second period as they had the first. They made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute, Hayes reminding everyone how effective he can be in an attacking role as he played a one-two with Ryan Christie and surged infield towards the edge of the Saints penalty area.

Hayes calmly laid the ball off into the path of Forrest who slipped his 13th goal of the season under the body of the advancing Clark.

Two minutes later, Celtic claimed their fourth of the afternoon when the jet-heeled Burke left Jason Kerr trailing in his wake as he burst down the right before drilling over a low cross which left Sinclair with the simplest of close range tap-ins.

Celtic Park was the scene of the greatest day in St Johnstone’s history when they lifted the Scottish Cup at the stadium back in 2014. They couldn’t leave it quickly enough on this occasion and their agony was completed a minute from time when Sinclair neatly completed his hat-trick after a shot from substitute Odsonne Edouard was deflected into his path.

CELTIC: Bain, Toljan, Boyata, Simunovic (Ajer 46), Hayes; Brown, McGregor; Forrest, Christie (Edouard 62), Sinclair; Burke (Weah 67). Subs not used: Gordon, Bitton, Johnston, Lustig.

ST JOHNSTONE: Clark, Foster, Shaughnessy, Kerr, Tanser; Goss (Watt 46); Wotherspoon, Davidson (Callachan 68), Craig, Kennedy (Keown 60); Kane. Subs not used: Bell, Alston, Swanson, O’Halloran.

BBC
Scott Sinclair scored a hat-trick and Scott Brown netted his first goal in two years as holders Celtic eased past St Johnstone and into the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

In the third meeting of the Premiership sides in 12 days, Brendan Rodgers' men were two up inside nine minutes thanks to Sinclair and Brown's stunner.

James Forrest, then Sinclair, scored within two minutes of each other just after the break. And Sinclair completed his hat-trick when he latched on to a deflection in the St Johnstone box.

Celtic have now won 24 consecutive domestic cup games under Rodgers as they aim for an unprecedented 'treble-treble'.

This season, in six cup ties, they have scored 16 and conceded just once.

Reaction & how it happened
How did you rate the players?

Celtic earned hard-fought 2-0 wins in each of the previous two meetings, both in the league, but this time the Perth side offered little, apart from a Chris Kane effort that Scott Bain saved.

Tommy Wright's side struggled to deal with Oliver Burke, who burst into space and crossed for each of Sinclair's first two goals.

Brown lashed high into the net on the eve of the second anniversary of his last goal – in a 6-0 thrashing of Inverness CT in the same competition.

And Forrest made no mistake from a slight angle after Jonny Hayes' marauding run.
Celtic were in front through Scott Sinclair inside the first three minutes
Celtic were in front through Scott Sinclair inside the first three minutes
'Celtic never let up' – analysis

Former Celtic & St Johnstone midfielder Paul Hartley on Sportsound

From the first minute to the 90th, Celtic never let up their pace, their tempo, their intensity and their quality. When you come here you have the game plan – stay in it, don't concede early – but when you're 2-0 down after nine minutes and you're really chasing it, it's damage limitation.

Dumbarton manager Jim Duffy on Sportsound

People thought it might be a little bit more difficult for Celtic today, but they started so well. From the first time they touched the ball, it was over 20 passes before St Johnstone got it back, and they just kept at it the whole game. Although Zander Clark didn't have many saves to make, Celtic just kept interchanging and the variety of play and their decision-making was brilliant.
'Burke has huge potential' – reaction

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "I said to the players that this would reveal the mentality of them, and to show that level of concentration was very good.

"Oliver Burke has huge potential. He's just getting back used to playing again, but I thought his running ability was frightening really."

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright: "We were beaten by a far better team, and we've been beaten three times now by a team that are far better; a team that costs millions.

"Celtic had every player on it, and we lose because we don't start the game well. We'll learn from it, the key thing is that we don't let three defeats from Celtic in a short space of time affect our season."

Posted at

Match ends, Celtic 5, St. Johnstone 0.
Full Time
Posted at 90'+1'

Second Half ends, Celtic 5, St. Johnstone 0.
Posted at 90'

Attempt blocked. Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Goal!
Posted at 89'

Goal! Celtic 5, St. Johnstone 0. Scott Sinclair (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner.
Posted at 82'

Attempt missed. Timothy Weah (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top right corner.
Posted at 81'

Attempt blocked. Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
Posted at 79'

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Jason Kerr.
Posted at 77'

Attempt saved. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Posted at 76'

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Niall Keown.
Posted at 75'

Attempt blocked. Scott Sinclair (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Booking
Posted at 73'

Jonny Hayes (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Posted at 73'

Foul by Jonny Hayes (Celtic).
Posted at 73'

Tony Watt (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Posted at 72'

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Niall Keown.
Posted at 71'

Jonny Hayes (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Posted at 71'

Foul by Ross Callachan (St. Johnstone).
Substitution
Posted at 67'

Substitution, St. Johnstone. Ross Callachan replaces Murray Davidson.
Substitution
Posted at 67'

Substitution, Celtic. Timothy Weah replaces Oliver Burke because of an injury.
Posted at 64'

Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Posted at 64'

Delay in match (St. Johnstone).
Posted at 63'

Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Posted at 63'

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
Substitution
Posted at 62'

Substitution, Celtic. Odsonne Edouard replaces Ryan Christie.
Posted at 61'

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott Tanser.
Posted at 61'

Attempt blocked. Jeremy Toljan (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
Substitution
Posted at 60'

Substitution, St. Johnstone. Niall Keown replaces Matthew Kennedy.
Posted at 60'

Foul by Jonny Hayes (Celtic).
Posted at 60'

David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Posted at 56'

Attempt missed. Ryan Christie (Celtic) header from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses the top left corner.
Goal!
Posted at 54'

Goal! Celtic 4, St. Johnstone 0. Scott Sinclair (Celtic) left footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Oliver Burke.
Goal!
Posted at 52'

Goal! Celtic 3, St. Johnstone 0. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jonny Hayes.
Posted at 51'

Attempt saved. Oliver Burke (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Posted at 49'

Jonny Hayes (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Posted at 49'

Foul by David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone).
Posted at 49'

Jonny Hayes (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Posted at 49'

Foul by David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone).
Posted at 48'

Foul by Scott Sinclair (Celtic).
Posted at 48'

David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Posted at 48'

Foul by Ryan Christie (Celtic).
Posted at 48'

Liam Craig (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution
Posted at 45'

Substitution, Celtic. Kristoffer Ajer replaces Jozo Simunovic because of an injury.
Second Half
Posted at

Second Half begins Celtic 2, St. Johnstone 0.
Substitution
Posted at 45'

Substitution, St. Johnstone. Tony Watt replaces Sean Goss.
Half Time
Posted at 45'+1'

First Half ends, Celtic 2, St. Johnstone 0.
Posted at 45'+1'

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Jozo Simunovic.
Posted at 45'

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Dedryck Boyata.
Posted at 44'

Jozo Simunovic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Posted at 44'

Foul by Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone).
Posted at 43'

Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Posted at 39'

Scott Sinclair (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Posted at 39'

Foul by David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone).
Posted at 39'

Oliver Burke (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Posted at 39'

Foul by Sean Goss (St. Johnstone).
Posted at 33'

Ryan Christie (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Posted at 33'

Foul by David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone).
Posted at 32'

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Jeremy Toljan.
Posted at 32'

Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Scott Bain.
Posted at 31'

Attempt saved. Scott Tanser (St. Johnstone) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Posted at 22'

Jeremy Toljan (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Posted at 22'

Foul by Matthew Kennedy (St. Johnstone).
Posted at 21'

Foul by Scott Sinclair (Celtic).
Posted at 21'

Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Posted at 15'

Foul by Ryan Christie (Celtic).
Posted at 15'

Scott Tanser (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Posted at 11'

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Posted at 11'

Foul by Liam Craig (St. Johnstone).
Goal!
Posted at 9'

Goal! Celtic 2, St. Johnstone 0. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner.
Posted at 7'

Oliver Burke (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Posted at 7'

Foul by Joe Shaughnessy (St. Johnstone).
Posted at 5'

James Forrest (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Posted at 5'

Foul by Scott Tanser (St. Johnstone).
Goal!
Posted at 3'

Goal! Celtic 1, St. Johnstone 0. Scott Sinclair (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the six yard box to the top left corner. Assisted by Oliver Burke.
Kick Off
Posted at

First Half begins.

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.