Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025
Trivia
- KO: 17:45 Saturday: League match 6; Premier TV (not Sky TV)
- Celtic remain on top with 6/6 wins, 18pts with +20GD, but Aberdeen are also on 18pts but behind on +8GD. Sevco behind third, Hearts bottom with just 2pts, whlst St Johnstone are 10th on 4pts.
- Kasper Schmeichel is the second keeper in Scottish Football history to both win those first 6 league games and keep clean sheets in those games (ex-Celt Tom Sinclair is the joint record holder).
- Cameron Carter-Vickers misses match with a foot injury.
- Brendan Rodgers criticises TV deal demands asking broadcasters to help our clubs, as we play on Tuesday and this game is at an awkward time.
- The last time Celtic scored 5 or more in 3 consecutive games – 1984.
- A strange one with VAR today: Another one of those games which baffles everyone. Many adamant that Trusty ‘foul’ wasn’t a foul that voided Celtic’s first goal. But VAR saved Celtic on couple of other occasions today, and gave the final goal (correctly).
- St Johnstone were to seek permission from Ayr Utd to talk to ex Celt Scott Brown about their managerial vacancy (currently he’s Ayr’s manager). Brown was not to be offered the job, but was one of a number of candidates interviewed before ruling himself out.
- Proposal to allow alcohol to be sold in football stadiums will be given ‘serious consideration’, the Scottish Health Secretary has said.
- Former Celtic youngster Aidan Borland made his senior debut for Aston Villa midweek and was highly praised.
- Out on loan Lagerbielke came off the bench to help loan side FC Twente to draw v Man Utd at Old Trafford!
- UWCL Celtic women’s team: Celtic are the first Scottish side to qualify for the Women’s Champions League group stage since it was introduced in 2020-21, after defeating Vorskla Poltava 3-0 in aggregate in final play off round. Congratulations, what a landmark.
- Champions League: Celtic are the first Scottish Club and the only club in Scotland to have two teams concurrently in the Champions League group stages after the women’s team achievement.
- UWCL – Celtic draw against Chelsea, Real Madrid and Twente; one of the matches will be played at Celtic Park.
- Celtic women’s team to relocate to Hamilton – Douglas Park for future matches.
- VAR: Jon Moss is leaving his role as the SFA’s VAR manager a month after being appointed. He is taking up a senior position with another national association.
- Ex-Dundee striker Fabian Caballero died aged 46, RIP. The Paraguayan, who made three appearances for Arsenal while on loan during the 1998-99 season, joined Dundee in July 2000 and spent 5 seasons there.
- Dundee boss Tony Docherty revealed that midfielder Mo Sylla (not the ex-Celt Momo Sylla) had to be rushed to the city’s Ninewells Hospital after collapsing in the dressing-room at half-time. The Dark Blues lost 2-1 to Aberdeen at Dens Park.
Summary
“We came here with the objective of the three points and we get the three points and we’ve had a wonderful game.”
Paulo Bernardo
“Well, everything you’d want from your team. Intensity, technique, hunger, quality. So yes very, very pleased.”
Brendan Rodgers
“A lot of the noise before the game was about Dortmund but I asked the boys to show their mentality tonight. I thought we were brilliant. I said to the boys in the dressing room nothing pleases me more than Daizen in the 86th minute making a tracking run back”
Brendan Rodgers
The move for Paulo Bernardo’s goal : Schmeichel > Johnston > Trusty > Bernardo > Scales > Taylor > Scales > McGregor > Johnston > Kuhn > Kyogo > Bernardo > Goal!
“The last goal last night was one of those goals that you used to salivate like when you were young when you watched Brazil and the like….”
St Johnstone fan &BBC presenter Stuart Cosgrove on @offtheballbbc
joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki: The final goal was sublime with a wonderful chip over the defence into the box followed by an incredible touch from Valle laying it off for Idah to place beautifully into the goals.
Maestron Mind of KDS:
That was next level stuff. Idah’s goal was one of the best I’ve ever witnessed us score, if that was Barcelona at their peak it would be played on every sports channel and social media channel. I’m not saying we are Barcelona but the quality of that call was next level.
The build up play, the clip over the top, the wee man being gallus enough to back heel control it, and I tell you what idahs finish was clinical. Absolutely outstanding stuff. We are a joy to watch.
I always think good teams are at their most deadly when they are enjoying what they do, our players are putting 100% effort in and enjoying it which makes them almost unplayable at times.
Doetmund away will be tough, we could lose and could lose be a couple, but nothing will detract from this momentum
Inside The SPFL @AgentScotland: Some goals live forever, that 6th goal tonight was one of them, just absolutely outstanding invention, vision, ability, composure and clinicalness. No matter how many times you watch it, it doesn’t get any less outrageous.
Teams
Celtic:
01 K. Schmeichel
03 G. Taylor, subbed for Álex Valle at 46mins
05 L. Scales
06 A. Trusty
02 A. Johnston
28 Paulo Bernardo
42 C. McGregor (c), Captain, subbed for L. McCowan at 75mins
27 A. Engels, subbed for R. Hatate at 66mins
38 D. Maeda 39′, Yellow Card at 39mins
08 K. Furuhashi, subbed for A. Idah at 66mins
10 N. Kühn, subbed for J. Forrest at 66mins
Subs:
49 J. Forrest
41 R. Hatate
09 A. Idah
14 L. McCowan
17 M. Nawrocki
56 A. Ralston
12 V. Sinisalo
11 Álex Valle
13 Yang Hyun-Jun
Goals:
K. Furuhashi (35′, 45′)
Paulo Bernardo (43′)
C. McGregor (54′)
D. Maeda (72′)
A. Idah (83′)
Assists:
N. Kühn (35′, 54′), K. Furuhashi (43′), G. Taylor (45′), Paulo Bernardo (72′), Álex Valle (83′)
St. Johnstone
Manager: Andy Kirk
Formation: 3 – 5 – 2
20 R. Sinclair
04 K. Cameron (c), Captain, subbed for A. Essel at 34mins
05 J. Sanders
06 L. Neilson
03 A. Raymond, subbed for J. McPake at 73mins
22 M. Smith 30′, Yellow Card at 30mins
23 S. Sprangler
11 G. Carey
14 D. Wright
27 M. Kirk, subbed for D. Keltjens at 73mins
10 N. Clark, subbed for C. MacPherson at 58mins
Subs:
49 B. Dair
15 A. Essel
46 F. Franczak
33 D. Keltjens
17 M. Kucheriavyi
08 C. MacPherson
43 B. McCrystal
24 J. McPake
12 J. Rae
Referee Don Robertson
Video Assistant Referee Alan Muir
Assistant Referee 1 Daniel McFarlane
Assistant Referee 2 Craig Ferguson
Fourth Official Colin Whyte
Assistant VAR Official Graeme Leslie
Venue:McDiarmid Park
Attendance:7,036
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Overall Possession
St. Johnstone 23.5% Celtic 76.5%
Shots
St. Johnstone 5 Celtic 19
Shots on target
St. Johnstone 1 Celtic 11
Shots off target
St. Johnstone 4 Celtic 7
Blocked shots
St. Johnstone 0 Celtic 1
Total touches in the box
St. Johnstone 9 Celtic 38
Goalkeeper saves
St. Johnstone 5 Celtic 1
Aerial duels won
St. Johnstone 11 Celtic 21
Fouls
St. Johnstone 9 Celtic 8
Corners
St. Johnstone 3 Celtic 13
Articles
Celtic put on Champions League show for Perth’s new digital addition as Kyogo Furuhashi snaps near year-long drought
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/celtic-put-on-champions-league-show-for-perths-new-digital-addition-as-kyogo-furuhashi-snaps-year-long-drought-4801718
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
Comments
Published 28th Sep 2024, 21:06 BST
Updated 28th Sep 2024, 23:01 BST
Saints are lambs to the slaughter as Celtic run riot at McDiarmid Park
Celtic flexed their muscles ahead of their Champions League trip to Dortmund on Tuesday with another footballing masterclass in a sensational 6-0 demolition of sorry St Johnstone.
The feeling before the 5.45pm kick-off at McDiarmid Park was that the managerless home side were on a hiding to nothing up against the powerful force of Brendan Rodgers’ green and white winning machine.
So it proved as the ultra-confident defending champions blasted their way to another three points, another clean sheet and another six goals to take their season’s tally to a staggering 33 goals in nine matches. And it could have been 34 but for a controversial VAR decision to rule out a Daizen Maeda strike when the match was still goalless.
Maeda did eventually get on the scoresheet with Celtic’s fifth in the second half as a double from Kyogo Furuhashi – remarkably his first away goals in the Premiership in almost a year – one each from Paulo Bernardo and Callum McGregor, and a late sixth from substitute Adam Idah completing a dominant display.
Kyogo Furuhashi netted twice for Celtic in Perth.
Kyogo Furuhashi netted twice for Celtic in Perth. | SNS Group
It will now fall on last season’s Champions League runners-up to attempt what no other team has managed across the past 17 matches stretching back into last season – and that is prevent Celtic from winning.
A trip to the Westfalenstadion and the yellow wall will be a different ball game from anything the Hoops have faced over the course of that triumphant run, but on this form, Celtic cannot be discounted in any arena.
Saints were simply the latest lambs to the slaughter although there was one impressive debutant among the home ranks – namely the giant digital scoreboard positioned between the North and East Stands, which was installed during the week. Saints fans will be more concerned over the need for a new manager, although reports would indicate that the appointment of Tiernan Lynch is nearing after compensation was agreed with Northern Irish club Larne. The future of interim manager Andy Kirk, who could only watch on helplessly as his side were torn to shreds, remains up in the air.
For Celtic and Rodgers, the quality and variety of the football and the goals would have been particularly pleasing, but also how they relentlessly pressed the opposition up until the final minute of injury-time.
The sight of Maeda chasing back and winning the ball from Graham Carey in the 88th minute of a 6-0 victory drew a roar from the travelling support and had Rodgers clapping his hands above his head.
Daizen Maeda got in on the act for Celtic.
Daizen Maeda got in on the act for Celtic. | SNS Group
Rodgers made seven changes from the cup win over Falkirk as he welcomed back a swathe of rested stars, although he still had the luxury of leaving Reo Hatate on the bench.
Saints set up to frustrate Celtic but they were given a number of warnings from Furuhashi in the opening exchanges as he ghosted in behind the defence only to be twice denied by goalkeeper Ross Sinclair.
Celtic thought they had their opener in the 26th minute when a blocked Nicolas Kuhn effort fell into the path of Maeda who sent a stunning first-time volley into the top corner. However, the sight of a St Johnstone player lying motionless in the box suggested a VAR review could be on its way and so it proved as referee Don Robertson ruled out the effort after a trip to the monitor, deeming that Auston Trusty had knocked Graham Carey to the ground in the box. A collision or a foul? That was up for debate but Celtic’s dominance was not and the opener was only delayed nine minutes as Furuhashi latched onto a clever header from Kuhn, using his lightning pace to race clear and finish clinically for his first league goal away from Celtic Park since scoring at Tynecastle last October.
A wonderful team goal put Celtic two up as the ball was worked from one box to the other involving nine players but there was still plenty for Bernardo to do as he steered a beautiful finish beyond Sinclair from 20 yards.
Brendan Rodgers takes the acclaim of the Celtic fans.
Brendan Rodgers takes the acclaim of the Celtic fans. | SNS Group
Furuhashi grabbed his third before the break, peeling off his marker to head home a Greg Taylor cross, with the Celtic left-back replaced by Alex Valle at half-time as a precaution after feeling tightness in his calf.
McGregor scored his fourth goal of what is proving a prolific start to the season nine minutes after the break by drilling a low effort past Sinclair from a short corner routine that earned German winger Kuhn his eighth assist in nine appearances to underline his status as the most improved Celtic player from last season.
Maeda crashed home a diving header to make it five on 72 minutes before substitute Adam Idah stroked home the sixth with seven minutes left after another gloriously worked move.
Celtic don’t need to raise their game for Dortmund. This was a Champions League performance in Perth.
Brendan Rodgers hails ‘perfect’ Celtic, reveals why Greg Taylor went off at half-time and has say on disallowed goal
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/brendan-rodgers-hails-perfect-celtic-reveals-why-greg-taylor-went-off-at-half-time-and-has-say-on-disallowed-goal-4801571?cx_testId=5&cx_testVariant=cx_undefined&cx_artPos=2&cx_experienceId=EX2NAIW0WFIR&cx_experienceActionId=showRecommendationsK080OZDSLLXE8#cxrecs_s
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
Comments
Published 28th Sep 2024, 21:52 BST
Updated 28th Sep 2024, 23:15 BST
What the Celtic manager said after the 6-0 win over St Johnstone
Brendan Rodgers is excited to see what his Celtic side can produce against last season’s Champions League runners-up after enjoying a “perfect night” in Perth.
Celtic were at their scintillating best as they claimed a 6-0 win over St Johnstone to make it nine wins from nine in all competitions this season and 17-in-a-row stretching back into last season.
They now travel to Germany for a Champions League showdown against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday but Rodgers is confident that his players are in the right frame of mind to take a positive result from the Westfalenstadion.
“We are in a really good way,” Rodgers said. “The performance level is what I concentrate on and the consequence of that will be results. I look at the rhythm and speed of the team, the hunger.
“We are going to play a top team on their home patch but I am really excited to see how we can play against them. They are a very good side but we can go there and try to impose our style on the game. I always say, as long as we press, as long as we attack, as long as we fight, we will see where it takes us.
“We have shown we can manage the ball and have the attributes in the team that can help us, we have speed and physicality and we can dig in, which is important.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers at full time after the 6-0 win over St Johnstone. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers at full time after the 6-0 win over St Johnstone. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group
Celtic scored six well-worked goals to take their season’s tally to 33 but it was the effort and attitude of the players that impressed Rodgers with winger Daizen Maeda again at the forefront of a high-energy pressing game.
“It was an opportunity for us to show a real mentality,” Rodgers added. “Obviously all the noise before the game was on the Champions League game on Tuesday but we had a chance to show a Champions League mentality at home.
“From the first whistle to the very last whistle the players were absolutely brilliant. Defensively strong, our counter pressing incredible, a great attitude to win the ball back.
“We really respected the percentage that we didn’t have the ball and were really aggressive in getting it back, none more so than Daizen in the 86th minute tracking back to win the ball.
“That’s the part of the game that really pleased me, that gives you the opportunity to be creative and free-flowing and obviously the goals were fantastic. A perfect night for us.”
Rodgers admitted he remains unsure whether Cameron Carter-Vickers will make the trip to Dortmund after the defender missed the McDiarmid Park match with a foot injury but was pleased with how his replacement, fellow US international Auston Trusty, performed in his absence.
“I don’t know, I’ll know tomorrow,” Rodgers replied when asked if Carter-Vickers would fly to Germany. “We’ll see where he’s at, and if he’s not available then Auston came in and I thought he was excellent. You seen his pace and power. He’s playing off that right side but he’s got good balance in his game and I thought he did very well, so if Cam’s not available we’ve got someone who can come straight in.”
Rodgers was adamant Celtic should have added another goal to their tally as he criticised the decision to disallow Maeda’s first-half strike for a foul by Trusty on Graham Carey following a VAR review.
“It should never have been disallowed,” Rodgers said. “If you watch it back, Auston loses his marker, then their player steps into his space and bumps him. He goes over hurt and Daizen ends up getting a really good goal, which is disallowed. But it should never have been.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cy43vw8vpknt#Report
Andy Campbell
BBC Scotland
Rampant Celtic warmed up for their Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund with a ninth straight win in all competitions against St Johnstone.
The defending Scottish Premiership champions thought they had led through Daizen Maeda’s first-half volley but VAR intervened over a foul.
However, Kyogo Furuhashi put the visitors in front with a typical run and finish and Paulo Bernardo completed an excellent move with a fine finish.
Kyogo headed a third in first-half added time and Callum McGregor, Maeda and substitute Adam Idah added more goals in the second period.
Brendan Rodgers’ side lead Aberdeen on goal difference at the top of the table while Saints are a point above second bottom.
Keep up to date with St Johnstone
The latest Celtic news
The net bulged first when Maeda volleyed in from a crowded area but the officials reviewed on the grounds of Auston Trusty’s challenge on Graham Carey, who needed treatment, and found in favour of Saints.
Celtic got what they were looking for, though, when the ball bounced up off Jack Sanders near halfway and Kuhn headed through for Kyogo to beat Sinclair from the left edge of the box.
Kuhn and Kyogo were involved again in Celtic’s second, the latter laying off for Bernardo to bend into the net.
Kyogo converted Greg Taylor’s cross moments later and VAR confirmed the goal after an offside check.
A short corner involving Engels and Kuhn led to the McGregor shot from outside the box, Sinclair beaten low as the ball came through the crowd.
Bernardo crossed for Maeda’s headed score and the goal of the night came soon after.
Alex Valle played a one-two with fellow substitute Luke McCowan and backheeled for Idah to finish.
No let-up from Celtic before Dortmund trip
Celtic were much changed for last week’s 5-2 Scottish League Cup win over Falkirk and were much changed again in Perth, with injured defender Cameron Carter-Vickers still a notable absentee.
Unlike that tie with Falkirk, Celtic never found themselves behind and chasing the game, taking control early and maintaining their momentum after the disappointment of having a goal chalked off.
Kyogo, Kuhn and Trusty all threatened and once the opener came, it was a case of how many. Trusty with a shot wide and McCowan with two efforts including one off the post almost added to the rout.
At the other end, Kasper Schmeichel remains unbeaten as a Premiership goalkeeper, with Rodgers’ side matching the club’s run of six opening league wins without conceding from season 1906-07.
Greg Taylor did not return for the second half, Valle taking his place at left-back, but the Scotland international seemed to be moving freely at the full-time celebrations.
It’s Germany next for Celtic, where they will meet a Borussia Dortmund team that beat Bochum 4-2 on Friday.
Heavy loss as Saints manager hunt continues
St Johnstone showed some resistance in the early part of the game but the lack of an out ball kept the pressure coming their way.
Captain Kyle Cameron’s first-half hamstring injury added to their woes.
Aaron Essel tested Schmeichel at his near post as Saints looked for a reply at 4-0 but there would be no consolation for the Perth side, who were playing their second game under caretaker Andy Kirk following manager Craig Levein’s exit.
They face an evening encounter away to Rangers next Sunday before the international break.
What they said
Media caption,
Everyone at Celtic ‘on the same page’ – manager Brendan Rodgers
St Johnstone interim manager Andy Kirk: “The disappointing thing was some of the defending. There were goals there that we could’ve avoided, absolutely. We need to defend our box better.
“We’re having a difficult period but they’ve got to stay together as a group. We’ve got to keep working hard. We’ve got to try and fix some of the problems that we’re seeing and hopefully we’ll come out on the other side of it in a better place.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “We were excellent. From the first whistle, you saw the mentality in the team. I don’t think the players could’ve done any more.
“They’re all really good [goals] in their own right. My big thing in making this team different is the attitude in our counter pressing, the hunger. When you have that in your team, along with the talent and the organisation, it gives you a big, big chance.”
Live Reporting
George O’Neill
G’nightpublished at 20:13 British Summer Time 28 September
20:13 BST 28 September
FT: St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
That’s all from us tonight, as Celtic continue their perfect start to the season with a dominant win over St Johnstone.
They go to Borussia Dortmund in Champions League action on Tuesday, and we’ll bring you all the action from Germany on Sportsound and here on the website.
Hopefully catch you then. G’night!
Kyogo celebratesImage source, SNS
McGregor ‘has a taste for goals’ – Rodgerspublished at 20:08 British Summer Time 28 September
20:08 BST 28 September
FT St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
More from Brendan Rodgers, who told Premier Sports he was pleased to see Callum McGregor back on the scoresheet
“We asked Callum to track the game. If you’re playing as a six, sometimes they can just sit in there. I know his ability to shoot and score, he’s hungry for goals now.”
Looking ahead to the midweek trip to Dortmund, the Celtic manager urged caution despite today’s win.
“[Dortmund] are a good team with top players so we can’t get away from that. OK, they’ve lost one or two from last year, but I always say we make sure we press, make sure we attack.
“It’s a tough game but we’ll look forwad to it.”
Callum McGregor celebrates his goalImage source, SNS
‘Everything you’d want from your team’ – Rodgerspublished at 20:03 British Summer Time 28 September
20:03 BST 28 September
FT St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
Brendan Rodgers on Premier Sports: “I thought this was an opportunity to show our mentality. All the noise has been about Dortmund but I wanted a Champions League mentality here and I thought the boys controlled the game.
“We wanted to keep our rhythm going. You see some of the guys coming in this evening, like Valle coming in at left-back showing his composure.
“Most were looking at it as a tickbox before Dortmund but for me it was to show their mentality. Everyone will be flying on Tuesday night but I want to see how they do when they’re here, or other grounds. It’s a case of just focusing in on that.
“I thought the variety of our game was very good. Everything you’d want from your team.”
RodgersImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 19:58 British Summer Time 28 September
19:58 BST 28 September
FT: St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
We’ll hear from Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers very shortly…
Postpublished at 19:55 British Summer Time 28 September
19:55 BST 28 September
FT: St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
The stats show just how dominant Celtic were.
Full-time stats graphicImage source, SNS
‘Celtic were merciless’published at 19:52 British Summer Time 28 September
19:52 BST 28 September
FT: St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
Tom English
BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer on Sportsound
It was merciless. You see more clemency from a firing squad than Celtic tonight.
They were ruthless, they were relentless. They’re much better than they were last season.
They could have won this game comfortably if they’d brought on three or four kids from the academy – but they didn’t have any academy kids on the bench.
But this was a no contest. It was a slaughter. Genuinely they could have won by ten today.
Postpublished at 19:49 British Summer Time 28 September
19:49 BST 28 September
FT: St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
Allan Preston
Former Dundee United defender on BBC Sportsound
This is as good a football team I’ve seen in Scotland for years. I don’t know the last time I saw someone as fluent, as crisp as that. I honestly think they are better than Celtic were under Ange Postecoglou.
St Johnstone aren’t playing well and need to get a manager in place, but it could have been 10 for Celtic tonight.
‘Incredible football’published at 19:47 British Summer Time 28 September
19:47 BST 28 September
FT: St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
It was incredible football.
I don’t think there are many teams in Scotland who could match them. The way they knocked the ball around, and the players they can bring off the bench.
Everything was there today. A brilliant performance.
FULL-TIMEpublished at 19:41 British Summer Time 28 September
19:41 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
A dominant performance from the champions, and perfect preparation for Tuesday’s Champions League clash away to Dortmund.
Six league games, six wins. Twenty goals scored, and none conceded.
Brendan Rodgers’ players are celebrating with the large away support behind one of the goals, with Kyogo leading the way.
Celtic celebrateImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 90 mins
90 mins
St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
There will be two minutes of additional time at McDiarmid Park.
‘Celtic are relentless’published at 19:39 British Summer Time 28 September
19:39 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
Allan Preston
Former St Johnstone defender on BBC Sportsound
It’s just relentless. McCowan with two efforts there.The second one is certainly a really good save.
HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 88 mins
88 mins
St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
Luke McCowan’s left-footed drive looks destined for the bottom corner, but a fingertip save from Ross Sinclair pushes it onto the post.
The St Johnstone keeper then palms McCowan’s deflected effort away to safety.
Postpublished at 19:35 British Summer Time 28 September
19:35 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
Last week Brendan Rodgers said no one is better at tracking players back than Daizen Maeda.
Another example there of his incredible work rate.
I’m shattered just watching him…
MaedaImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 87 mins
87 mins
St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
David Keltjens looks to be away for St Johnstone down the right, but Daizen Maeda eats up the ground to nudge him off the ball and start another Celtic attack.
The Japanese winger epitomises what Brendan Rodgers’ team are all about. Full of running even with 87 minutes on the clock.
Postpublished at 19:33 British Summer Time 28 September
19:33 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
Adam Idah has been robbed the chance to celebrate a simply sensational goal.
When it didn’t look like it was going to stand, the Celtic fans were already on their feet merely applauding the move.
What a performance.
Postpublished at 19:33 British Summer Time 28 September
19:33 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-6 Celtic
Allan Preston
Former St Johnstone defender on BBC Sportsound
Great little ball from McCowan and then it’s the Harlem Globetrotters from there.
Idah goalImage source, SNS
goal
GOAL St Johnstone 0-6 Celticpublished at 84 mins
84 mins
Adam Idah
Goal given!
Luke McCowan dinks a gorgeous, sumptuous pass over the top for the onrushing Alex Valle.
Celtic’s substitute left-back plays a wonderful flick into Adam Idah’s path and the Irish striker passes it into the corner.
Stunning.
Celtic goal
DISALLOWED GOALpublished at 83 mins
83 mins
St Johnstone 0-5 Celtic
The offside flag denies Celtic one of the great team goals, or does it?
I reckon Alex Valle is onside here and Adam Idah will have number six for Celtic…
Postpublished at 19:28 British Summer Time 28 September
19:28 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-5 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
A collective intake of breath taken in there.
Goodness me, Auston Trusty. That would’ve been some way to make your presence known…
CLOSE!published at 80 mins
80 mins
St Johnstone 0-5 Celtic
Ooft.
Auston Trusty steps onto a St Johnstone clearance and lets fly with an ambitious effort on the volley.
It’s only just wide – that would have been the pick of the bunch.
previous page
1
2
3
4
next page
Postpublished at 19:25 British Summer Time 28 September
19:25 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-5 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
Every single Celtic fan is on their feet as their captain departs.
Another superb midfield display.
Postpublished at 75 mins
75 mins
St Johnstone 0-5 Celtic
Luke McCowan replaces Celtic captain Callum McGregor.
Alistair Johnston is handed the armband for the remainder of the game.
goal
GOAL St Johnstone 0-5 Celticpublished at 72 mins
72 mins
Daizen Maeda
Celtic have five.
Daizen Maeda times his run into the box to perfection, and his header flies past Ross Sinclair into the back of the net.
Celtic goal
Celtic changespublished at 66 mins
66 mins
St Johnstone 0-4 Celtic
Brendan Rodgers turns to his bench, looking to rest key players before Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Dortmund.
Kyogo, Arne Engels and Nicolas Kuhn all make way, with the aforementioned trio on in their place.
Postpublished at 19:13 British Summer Time 28 September
19:13 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-4 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
Reo Hatate, James Forrest and Adam Idah are being stripped.
A scary sight for Saints.
GREAT SAVE!published at 64 mins
64 mins
St Johnstone 0-4 Celtic
The initial ball in was cleared, but Graham Carey whips another cross into the Celtic box.
It drops nicely for Aaron Essel, and he forces Kasper Schmeichel into a great save down to his right.
That’s the first save he’s had to make this afternoon.
Postpublished at 64 mins
64 mins
St Johnstone 0-4 Celtic
St Johnstone string a few passes together for the first time in what feels like forever and win themselves a corner.
Postpublished at 19:10 British Summer Time 28 September
19:10 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-4 Celtic
Left-footed goals from outside the box are becoming the norm for Callum McGregor.
Here’s a look at his fourth strike of the season.
McGregor goalImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 19:08 British Summer Time 28 September
19:08 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-4 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
It’s easy to forget this is all being down without Reo Hatate in the midfield for Celtic.
A frightening thought for the rest of Scottish football.
The Japan international is out warming up and the supporters are singing his name.
GREAT SAVE!published at 55 mins
55 mins
St Johnstone 0-4 Celtic
It’s almost five straight from kick-off, as a gorgeous reverse pass from Arne Engels puts Nicolas Kuhn in on goal.
Ross Sinclair rushes off his line to block the shot.
Postpublished at 19:04 British Summer Time 28 September
19:04 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-4 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
Never mind comparing Kyogo with Messi, McGregor’s mad goal tally this season is more like the little man’s…
goal
GOAL St Johnstone 0-4 Celticpublished at 54 mins
54 mins
Callum McGregor
What a season the Celtic captain is having!
The visitors take a corner short, and Nicolas Kuhn plays it out to Callum McGregor on the edge of the box.
He takes a touch to set himself before finding the bottom corner with keeper Ross Sinclair unsighted.
Celtic goal
‘All over the place’published at 19:00 British Summer Time 28 September
19:00 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Allan Preston
Former St Johnstone defender on BBC Sportsound
St Johnstone don’t look comfortable at all. Essel’s come on and he’s all over the place.
Postpublished at 51 mins
51 mins
St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Aaron Essel takes too long at the back for St Johnstone, and you can’t do that with Daizen Maeda and Kyogo around.
The Celtic forwards are on him in a flash and force a corner.
Postpublished at 48 mins
48 mins
St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Kyogo fancies a hat-trick.
The Celtic striker lashes a left-footed shot over the bar after he got the better of Lewis Neilson.
KICK-OFFpublished at 46 mins
46 mins
St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
There’s a change for Celtic at the break.
Left-back Greg Taylor is replaced by Alex Valle.
Taylor was talking to referee Don Robertson at the end of the first half, but about what, we’re not quite sure.
Postpublished at 18:48 British Summer Time 28 September
18:48 BST 28 September
HT: St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
I’ve just watched Paulo Bernardo’s goal back.
Celtic swept from back to front in six passes, and the finish is just as good as the move.
Well worth a watch on Sportscene later.
Paulo Bernardo goalImage source, SNS
Clinical Kyogopublished at 18:46 British Summer Time 28 September
18:46 BST 28 September
HT: St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Kyogo has attempted just three passes in that first half, completing two of them.
He’s been clinical in front of goal though, with as many goals as successful passes.
That’s what matters.
Kyogo goalImage source, SNS
‘A total doing’published at 18:42 British Summer Time 28 September
18:42 BST 28 September
HT: St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Tom English
BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer on Sportsound
A total doing, as you’d expect.
None of this is any surprise. This Celtic team have really improved, and it’s kind of grim viewing from a St Johnstone perspective.
HALF-TIMEpublished at 18:39 British Summer Time 28 September
18:39 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Another brilliant display from Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic has the champions cruising to a sixth straight league win of the season.
Kyogo scored either side of Paulo Bernardo’s strike, and it could have been more against a ragged St Johnstone side.
LIVE stream page 3
Postpublished at 52 mins
52 mins
St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Ross Sinclair tips a right-footed shot from Greg Taylor round the post.
This could be a cricket score.
Postpublished at 18:37 British Summer Time 28 September
18:37 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
“Piling on the agony, putting on the style,” is sung on repeat from the stands.
St Johnstone are in agony, Celtic have all the style.
Postpublished at 18:35 British Summer Time 28 September
18:35 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Six minutes added on.
St Johnstone are desperate for half-time.
Postpublished at 18:34 British Summer Time 28 September
18:34 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-3 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
Brendan Rodgers called for a Champions League level performance… he’s certainly getting one.
This is stunning stuff from the Scottish champions.
goal
GOAL St Johnstone 0-3 Celticpublished at 45 mins
45 mins
Kyogo
Two becomes three in no time at all!
More slick passing puts Greg Taylor in acres of space on the left. He gets his head up and delivers a pinpoint cross to Kyogo at the back post.
All the Japan international has to do is nod it back across Ross Sinclair into the back of the net.
There’s a VAR check for offside, but the goal’s given to the delight of the travelling fans.
Celtic goal
Postpublished at 18:31 British Summer Time 28 September
18:31 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-2 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
What a goal. They worked the ball from the keeper, one two touch passing, opens up in midfield, give it out to Kuhn, he didn’t panic, picks out the right pass. A brilliant goal.
Postpublished at 18:30 British Summer Time 28 September
18:30 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-2 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
You could hear that ball coorie in the net from the main stand.
A beauty.
goal
GOAL St Johnstone 0-2 Celticpublished at 43 mins
43 mins
Paulo Bernardo
Celtic double their lead in style.
It’s a great team move. Liam Scales and Greg Taylor show good composure to play it out from the back under pressure from St Johnstone’s forward players.
From there, the visitors work their way up the park and Paulo Bernardo whips a lovely finish beyond Ross Sinclair’s despairing dive.
Celtic are in full flow this afternoon.
Celtic goal
Postpublished at 40 mins
40 mins
St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic
Kasper Schmeichel gets away with one here.
The Celtic keeper opts to punch a cross and gives it straight to Sven Sprangler.
I don’t think the Saints midfielder was expecting it though and his first-time effort is well off target.
Postpublished at 38 mins
38 mins
St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic
What’s that Amy?!?
I must have missed that insight from our pundits. Kyogo is a superb player, but I reckon that praise is a step far…
‘Wonderful finish’published at 18:23 British Summer Time 28 September
18:23 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic
Allan Preston
Former St Johnstone defender on BBC Sportsound
They get the break of the ball again, Celtic.
It kind of hits Kuhn and goes through for Kyogo. Then it’s a wonderful finish.
Kyogo goalImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 18:23 British Summer Time 28 September
18:23 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
Our commentary team were drawing comparisons between Kyogo and Lionel Messi earlier.
A goal there the wee man would be chuffed with himself. A stunning finish which the thousands of travelling fans adored.
goal
GOAL St Johnstone 0-1 Celticpublished at 35 mins
35 mins
Kyogo
This one will count!
Nicolas Kuhn plays a clever headed pass in behind for Kyogo to run onto, and the Celtic striker sweeps a confident finish beyond Ross Sinclair into the bottom corner.
A wonderful finish, and Celtic deservedly lead in Perth.
Celtic goal
Postpublished at 18:20 British Summer Time 28 September
18:20 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
Andy Kirk quite literally pushing Aaron Essel on there.
The defender was far from ready to be called on, much to the annoyance of Kirk, and Allan Preston on commentary here…
Postpublished at 30 mins
30 mins
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
St Johnstone captain Kyle Cameron is down with what looks like a hamstring injury, so we’ve got something of a delay.
Aaron Essel replaces him.
Saints ‘off the hook’published at 18:15 British Summer Time 28 September
18:15 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Allan Preston
Former Dundee United defender on BBC Sportsound
It’s accidental but he runs into him. He runs in and takes him out at the far post. But that’s exactly what VAR’s for – it’s a great spot.
St Johnstone get off the hook.
Postpublished at 18:15 British Summer Time 28 September
18:15 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
John Kennedy ain’t happy with the decision.
The Celtic assistant is away shaking his head after burning the lug of fourth official Colin Whyte.
DISALLOWED GOALpublished at 28 mins
28 mins
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Auston Trusty absolutely clatters Graham Carey off the ball in the build-up, and the goal is chalked off.
goal
GOAL St Johnstone 0-1 Celticpublished at 25 mins
25 mins
Daizen Maeda
A wonderful strike gives Celtic the lead.
Nicolas Kuhn rather scuffs his shot, but it pops up to Daizen Maeda and the Japanese winger smashes a sweet left-footed strike into the top corner.
There’s a VAR check for something though…
Celtic goal
Postpublished at 20 mins
20 mins
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Kyogo’s gets across his marker once more, but can’t generate any power on his shot and Ross Sinclair makes a simple save.
Celtic are just turning the screw now.
LIVE stream page 4
Postpublished at 18:05 British Summer Time 28 September
18:05 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
It’s that little run from Kyogo off the centre-back’s shoulder.
Kuhn should have done a little bit better as the ball bounced up nicely for him.
CLOSE!published at 17 mins
17 mins
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Kyogo’s movement gets him so many goals, and he ghosts in behind again here.
Ross Sinclair makes a sharp save, but can only palm it straight to Nicolas Kuhn.
The German winger has the goal at his mercy, but slices his effort well wide.
Should have done better…
Postpublished at 15 mins
15 mins
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Saints win a free-kick in Celtic’s half and now have a rare chance to get the ball into the opposition box.
Celtic clear, but the hosts come again and win a corner. There’s a muted penalty appeal as the ball strikes Alistair Johnston’s hand, but nothing doing.
A decent spell this for St Johnstone.
Postpublished at 13 mins
13 mins
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
A wonderful ball into the box from Alistair Johnston finds Kyogo unmarked in the box, but the hosts scramble back just in time and block the shot.
You sense there’s going to be plenty more last-ditch defending needed in this game.
Postpublished at 9 mins
9 mins
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Nicolas Kuhn swings a cross into the St Johnstone box, but Lewis Neilson puts it behind for another Celtic corner.
The home defence deal with it well and are able to push out a wee bit.
‘Deafening noise’published at 17:52 British Summer Time 28 September
17:52 BST 28 September
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park
Celtic fans to the left of me, Celtic fans to the right, here I am stuck in the middle… you know the tune.
The noise in here is deafening, it’s like a wee cave, just echoing around.
The odd St Johnstone fan on the far side will barely be able to hear themselves think.
Postpublished at 17:51 British Summer Time 28 September
17:51 BST 28 September
Allan Preston
Former St Johnstone defender on BBC Sportsound
St Johnstone have got to get out if they can. They’re just getting hemmed in even this early.
Postpublished at 6 mins
6 mins
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Kyogo thinks he’s going to have a tap in after a clever Callum McGregor pass finds Daizen Maeda in behind.
Maeda tries to square it for his international teammate, but home keeper Ross Sinclair reads it and clings on.
Maeda was offside in any case.
CelticImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 3 mins
3 mins
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Celtic dominating possession – as you’d expect – in the early stages.
St Johnstone skipper Kyle Cameron concedes a corner after Nicolas Kuhn releases Alistair Johnston down the right.
KICK-OFFpublished at 1 min
1 min
St Johnstone 0-0 Celtic
Away we go in Perth…
Celtic huddleImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 17:45 British Summer Time 28 September
17:45 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
The players are out at McDiarmid Park.
A reminder you can listen to BBC Scotland’s coverage of the game, as well as following live text updates.
Just click the link at the top of this page, or tune in via BBC Sounds – whatever you prefer.
Postpublished at 17:41 British Summer Time 28 September
17:41 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
Celtic have won 14 successive games, including all eight of their fixtures this season, and have won 13 in a row at McDiarmid Park since a 2-1 defeat in May 2016 – scoring 49 goals for the loss of only nine.
With St Johnstone’s struggles this season, everything points to an away win.
It’s a funny old game though.
Celtic celebrateImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Celtic won 3-1 at McDiarmid Park in December last season
‘What comes next, I don’t know’ – Kirkpublished at 17:38 British Summer Time 28 September
17:38 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
St Johnstone interim manager Andy Kirk tells BBC Scotland: “You just concentrate on the daily task, which is getting the players right for the game.
“That’s the best way to do it, is just to dive in. That’s worked this week, it’s kept the players focused and they’ve trained well.
“It’s a difficult task because Celtic are an excellent team. We need to be at the top of our game, fully focused and hope Celtic have a bit of an off day.
“In terms of my own position, it’s not a conversation I’ve had with the club. I’m fully focused on what I’m doing at the minute, what comes after that, I don’t know.”
‘Let’s put in a Champions League performance’ – Rodgerspublished at 17:34 British Summer Time 28 September
17:34 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been talking to BBC Scotland, and starts with today’s later kick-off time: “That extra wee bit of recovery would have been helpful, but we won’t cry too much about it.
“The world is probably looking at the Dortmund game, but for me it’s important tonight to keep the process going and how we’ve been playing.
“We’re a different team now with a different mindset, but last year here in the first half we weren’t too good.
“Let’s put in a Champions League performance this evening and then take that into the game on Tuesday.”
BrendanImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 17:31 British Summer Time 28 September
17:31 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
Meanwhile, St Johnstone are still looking for a new manager after Craig Levein’s sacking earlier this month.
Aberdeen coach Peter Leven has been given permission to talk to the McDiarmid Park club, and St Johnstone are also talking to Larne manager Tiernan Lynch.
Interim boss Andy Kirk earned a 3-3 draw last week, and a shock result today would do his hopes no harm at all.
Andy KirkImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Andy Kirk is interim manager at St Johnstone
Rodgers ‘frustration’ over schedulingpublished at 17:25 British Summer Time 28 September
17:25 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
Brendan Rodgers expressed “frustration” yesterday about domestic fixture schedules, claiming live television coverage takes priority over a team’s chances in European competition.
Celtic’s Champions League opponents Borussia Dortmund beat Bochum 4-2 in the Bundesliga last night, while this game was pushed to a later slot after being selected for television coverage by Premier Sports.
“For all British teams, it is a frustration,” Rodgers said. “Borussia Dortmund play Bochum on Friday night, so they’re able to move the game and it gives them three full days to prepare for the game.
“For us, we probably won’t be home until after midnight from the game on Saturday and it’s a very quick turnaround with travel.
“The TV and the slots seems to take priority over the game and preparation. We’re not the only team that’s happened to.
“The European teams have their slots and they’ll find agreements to help their teams prepare the best they can.”
Carey replaces Holt for Saintspublished at 17:21 British Summer Time 28 September
17:21 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
Interim manager Andy Kirk makes one change to the side that drew 3-3 away to Ross County last time out, as Graham Carey comes into midfield in place of Jason Holt.
Nicky Clark scored two wonderful free-kicks in Dingwall and starts up front again alongside Makenzie Kirk, Andy’s son.
Seven changes for Celticpublished at 17:17 British Summer Time 28 September
17:17 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
Brendan Rodgers rotated heavily for last weekend’s League Cup win over Falkirk, and he reverts to a much more familiar starting XI today.
Auston Trusty keeps his place in defence because of Cameron Carter-Vickers’ toe injury, but Alistair Johnston, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor all return to the back line.
Arne Engels replaces Reo Hatate in midfield, while forwards Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo all start.
Auston TrustyImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Auston Trusty keeps his place in the Celtic defence
Line-ups from McDiarmid Parkpublished at 17:13 British Summer Time 28 September
17:13 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
St Johnstone: Sinclair, Neilson, Sanders, Cameron, Wright, Carey, Sprangler, Smith, Raymond, Kirk, Clark.
Substitutes: Rae, MacPherson, Essel, Kucheriavyi, McPake, Keltjens, McCrystal, Franczak, Dair.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, Engels, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo.
Substitutes: Sinisalo, Idah, Valle, Yang, McCowan, Nawrocki, Hatate, Forrest, Ralston.
Hello!published at 17:10 British Summer Time 28 September
17:10 BST 28 September
St Johnstone v Celtic (17:45)
There have been plenty of goals elsewhere in the Scottish Premiership, so let’s hope our final game of the day can deliver as well.
League-leaders Celtic travel to Perth looking to continue their perfect start to the season, while managerless St Johnstone are hoping to end a five-game winless run.
Kick-off is 35 minutes away, so let’s get cracking…