Celtic might have to wait another week to clinch title
St Johnstone 1 - 0 Celtic
St Johnstone pulled off a surprise victory over Celtic, denying the reigning champions the chance to wrap up the Scottish Premiership title in front of their home support next weekend.
Brendan Rodgers’ side knew that a win at McDiarmid Park would have set up the opportunity to clinch a fourth consecutive league crown when they host Kilmarnock on Saturday. But an early thumping header from Daniels Balodis, following a well-delivered free-kick by Graham Carey, gave the hosts a crucial lead. That goal, combined with a resilient defensive display, saw the league’s bottom side move to within five points of Dundee.
Celtic could still secure the title next weekend if they beat Kilmarnock and Rangers drop points away to Aberdeen on Sunday. However, Balodis’ first goal for the club has, for now at least, postponed any plans of celebrating on home turf.
The early breakthrough seemed to energise the Perth side. While Celtic responded with intensity, their failure to find an equaliser proved unexpectedly costly.
Daizen Maeda, in fine recent form, was the first to threaten. His effort was pushed away by Andy Fisher, with Stephen Duke-McKenna making a crucial interception just ahead of Nicolas Kühn at the far post.
Duke-McKenna, having made a vital contribution at one end, then tested Celtic’s defence at the other. His curling shot forced a smart save from Viljami Sinisalo.
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Celtic continued to press for a way back into the game. Reo Hatate struck the post early in the second half, and later blazed over when he might have done better. Despite dominating possession, chances remained limited.
St Johnstone offered a physical presence on the break, with Benji Kimpioka unsettling the Celtic back line and Victor Griffith coming close to a second when his deflected shot looped narrowly over.
Celtic’s best chance to equalise fell to James Forrest, but his close-range effort was well saved by the impressive Fisher. Luke McCowan was also denied late on, as the home side held firm.
The result boosts St Johnstone’s hopes of avoiding relegation ahead of next weekend’s meeting with Dundee United at Tannadice, just before the league splits for the final phase.
They will face Celtic again soon enough, with the sides set to meet in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on 20 April.
