Celtic continued their winning streak and solidified their command of the Scottish Premiership with a decisive 4-0 victory over St Johnstone at Celtic Park, eleviting their lead to 14 points over second-placed Rangers as they prepare for their upcoming Old Firm clash.
Brendan Rodgers’ side went head-to-head with the Saints on December 29, 2024, aiming to wrap up the year on a high note. The match also marked a significant moment for the struggling St Johnstone, who have been battling to escape the bottom of the league. Before kickoff, the teams were at opposite ends of the table, with Celtic sitting comfortably atop with 47 points, and St Johnstone languishing at the bottom with just 14.
The Hoops entered the match fresh off a 4-0 win over Motherwell, and with their momentum, they quickly asserted themselves. Celtic had made some notable lineup changes, resting captain Callum McGregor and bringing Nicolas Kuhn to the forefront for this match. Kuhn was eager to impress and did not disappoint, scoring the opener at the half-hour mark after gathering the ball from Reo Hatate and firing it past St Johnstone goalkeeper Josh Rae.
Rodgers, who has maintained his focus on squad rotation with important games on the horizon, made tactical adjustments, ensuring his team was prepared to dominate. The Celtic starting XI included Kasper Schmeichel between the posts, supported by defenders Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Scales, and young Alex Valle. The midfield trio consisted of Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo, and Reo Hatate, with Kyogo and Kuhn leading the attack.
St Johnstone attempted to respond with changes at halftime, bringing on new players to freshen up their approach. Coach Simo Valakari adjusted to the mounting pressure, but it was clear the visitors found it difficult to penetrate Celtic’s solid defense. St Johnstone ended the first half with zero shots on target, reflecting their struggles to create meaningful chances.
The second half was marked by relentless pressure from the hosts. Kyogo Furuhashi doubled Celtic’s lead shortly after the break, nodding home from close range after Rae parried Bernardo’s flick shot. The Japanese forward added another goal soon after, capitalizing on Engel's perfectly placed low cross.
With the score reaching 3-0, Celtic’s focus shifted to managing the game, but they were not finished yet. Substitute Daizen Maeda came onto the pitch and capped off the rout by scoring the fourth goal, tapping the ball home from another incisive Bernardo pass.
The triumph not only cemented Celtic’s unbeaten record at home for the year but also highlighted their dominance this season. The victory was particularly sweet as it came just days before the anticipated Old Firm derby against Rangers, where the stakes would be even higher.
Fans expressed mixed feelings about the rotation of key players like McGregor, acknowledging both the necessity for rest and the risks involved, especially with such important matches looming. "Is McGregor getting a rest?" questioned one fan, highlighting the tension surrounding squad management under pressure. "Big call with no McGregor. Everything came from him the other night. Let’s get this done," another added, reflecting the concern among supporters.
Celtic’s fans witnessed their team’s ability to pivot under pressure. The lineup changes were met with cautious optimism. The return of Alistair Johnston from injury was celebrated, with supporters remarking on the quality he brings at the back. Young Alex Valle’s progression also drew positive comments as fans were excited to see him start after his development this season.
Despite the frustrations reflected by St Johnstone supporters as their team fell to another defeat, it remains clear they are searching for answers. Manager Simo Valakari faces the tough challenge of revitalizing his squad as they look to escape the relegation zone. They are currently three points adrift at the bottom, with their last five league matches yielding four defeats and no wins.
The match statistics echoed the on-pitch action. Celtic dominated possession and effectively minimized St Johnstone's offensive threats, winning comfortably without breaking much of a sweat. With this win, Celtic not only celebrated individual performances, such as Kuhn's impactful return and Kyogo's goal-scoring prowess, but they also looked forward with confidence as twists in the league are sure to come.
While Celtic fans revel in the 2024 year-end victory and the commanding lead over their Glasgow rivals, they also recognize the pressure building for the forthcoming derby fixture. Their team appears well-prepared to meet the challenge, and the buzz surrounding the upcoming clash is palpable.
With Celtic demonstrating their championship mettle yet again, fans will be hoping for another bright performance when they face Rangers next, as they seek to take another significant step toward securing the league title.