Celtic close in on another title
St. Mirren 2 - 5 Celtic
Celtic are now just three wins away from retaining their Scottish Premiership title
Stadium - The SMISA Stadium
If Celtic can secure victories in their next two league fixtures against second-placed Rangers and Heart of Midlothian, they will head to Perth in early April knowing that a win over St Johnstone would seal a fourth consecutive league title.
Celtic were pushed all the way by a determined St Mirren side, who twice pegged them back before Yang Hyun-jun struck twice late on, either side of a superb finish from Daizen Maeda, to secure the points.
Japan forward Maeda has now scored 13 goals in his last 12 matches, while South Korean winger Yang – who set him up with a fine assist – is looking like a player transformed. His two-goal cameo may well give Rodgers a selection headache ahead of the next game.
Substitutes make the difference as Celtic close in
It was another commanding performance from the league leaders, who once again found a way to get the job done – and did so in style, growing stronger as the game progressed.
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It’s a rare sight to see captain Callum McGregor substituted, but with the energy and skill of McCowan ready to step in, Brendan Rodgers had no reason to worry.
Jota and Yang also made a real impact from the bench, adding further quality and piling the pressure on a tiring St Mirren side that had given everything in the opening hour.
Schlupp will be thrilled to have opened his account for Celtic, while Engels’ impressive debut season in Scotland now boasts 10 goals.
With a full week to prepare, the champions-elect turn their attention to the Scottish Cup, where they face Hibernian, before welcoming Barry Ferguson’s Rangers to Celtic Park on 16 March.
