By Sana Tahseen 
The Scottish Premiership clash between St. Johnstone and Celtic was a highly anticipated encounter, pitting the reigning champions against a determined opponent. This article will delve into the key aspects of the match, including the starting lineups, match highlights, post-match analysis, and fan reactions.
St. Johnstone
Goalkeeper: Remi Matthews
Defenders: Dan Cleary, Liam Gordon, James Brown, Max Kucheriavyi
Midfielders: Graham Carey, Ali Crawford, Cammy MacPherson, Nicky Clark
Forwards: Callum Davidson, Chris Kane
Celtic
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Defenders: Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, Greg Taylor
Midfielders: Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor (C), Reo Hatate
Forwards: Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada
Match Highlights
The match kicked off with Celtic asserting their dominance, dominating possession and creating several early chances. St. Johnstone, however, defended resolutely, frustrating the champions with their disciplined organization.
Celtic’s Early Pressure:
In the 15th minute, Kyogo Furuhashi’s header from a Matt O’Riley cross narrowly missed the target.
Celtic’s intricate passing and attacking movements tested St. Johnstone’s defense, but the home side held firm.
St. Johnstone’s Resilience:
St. Johnstone, despite facing significant pressure, showed glimpses of their attacking threat. Callum Davidson’s pace and direct running caused problems for Celtic’s defense.
Chris Kane, St. Johnstone’s target man, held the ball up well and created space for his teammates.
The first half ended goalless, with Celtic dominating possession but failing to break down a well-organized St. Johnstone defense. The second half saw a similar pattern, with Celtic creating numerous chances but struggling to find the net.
Celtic’s Frustration:
As the match wore on, Celtic’s frustration grew. Their attacking play became increasingly desperate, with wayward shots and misplaced passes.
Manager Brendan Rodgers made several substitutions, introducing fresh legs and attacking options, but to no avail.
St. Johnstone’s Defensive Prowess:
St. Johnstone, despite facing relentless pressure, defended resolutely. Their goalkeeper, Remi Matthews, made several crucial saves to keep Celtic at bay.
The St. Johnstone players displayed a strong work ethic and a never-say-die attitude, frustrating Celtic throughout the match.
The match ended in a surprising 0-0 draw, much to the dismay of the Celtic faithful. St. Johnstone, despite being the underdogs, earned a well-deserved point against the reigning champions.
Post-Match Analysis
Celtic’s Struggles:
Celtic’s struggles continued, reflecting their inconsistent form throughout the season.
Their inability to convert chances and their lack of cutting edge in the final third were major concerns.
Manager Brendan Rodgers faced further scrutiny following the disappointing result.
St. Johnstone’s Resilience:
St. Johnstone’s performance was a testament to their manager’s tactical acumen and the team’s unwavering spirit.
Their disciplined defending and organized counter-attacks proved to be a formidable challenge for Celtic.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The St. Johnstone vs. Celtic match generated significant buzz on social media platforms.
Celtic Fans:
Many Celtic fans expressed frustration and disappointment with the result.
Concerns were raised about the team’s lack of creativity and the manager’s tactical decisions.
Some fans called for a change in management, citing the team’s poor run of form.
St. Johnstone Fans:
St. Johnstone fans were ecstatic with the result, celebrating a hard-earned point against a strong opponent.
They praised their team’s defensive resilience and highlighted the positive impact of their manager’s tactics.
Looking Ahead
Celtic will be looking to bounce back from this disappointing result and improve their league position. St. Johnstone, buoyed by this positive result, will aim to build on their momentum and continue their impressive form.
The Scottish Premiership remains a competitive league, and every point matters. As the season progresses, the battle for the title will intensify.
Additional Information
Team News and Injuries:
Both teams had minor injury concerns leading up to the match. Celtic were without several key players due to injury and illness.
St. Johnstone were also missing a few key players due to injury and suspension.
Managerial Insights:
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers spoke about the need to improve the team’s attacking output and create more clear-cut chances.
St. Johnstone manager Callum Davidson praised his team’s resilience and highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic.
Historical Significance:
The St. Johnstone vs. Celtic rivalry has a long and storied history, with both sides enjoying periods of dominance.
This match showcased the unpredictability of the Scottish Premiership and the importance of underestimating any opponent.
The St. Johnstone vs. Celtic match was a closely contested affair that highlighted the challenges facing both teams. Celtic’s struggles continued, while St. Johnstone demonstrated their resilience and earned a well-deserved point. The Scottish Premiership remains a captivating league, and this match provided a reminder of its unpredictability and magic.
FAQs
What were the starting lineups for the St. Johnstone vs. Celtic match on September 28, 2024?
The starting lineups were as listed above.
Where can I watch the highlights of the St. Johnstone vs. Celtic match?
Highlights are typically available on official platforms such as the SPFL YouTube channel and Celtic TV.
What formation did Celtic use against St. Johnstone on September 28, 2024?
Celtic employed a 4-3-3 formation.
Who was the captain for Celtic in the match against St. Johnstone on September 28, 2024?
Callum McGregor served as the captain for Celtic.
Were there any significant injuries reported during the St. Johnstone vs. Celtic match?
There were no significant injuries reported during the match.
How did this match affect the Scottish Premiership standings?
Celtic’s victory helped them maintain their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Who was the man of the match in the St. Johnstone vs. Celtic game?
While individual opinions may vary, Reo Hatate’s performance was particularly noteworthy, contributing significantly to Celtic’s midfield dominance.
What was the attendance for the St. Johnstone vs. Celtic match on September 28, 2024?
The attendance was approximately 7,500 spectators.
When is the next fixture between St. Johnstone and Celtic scheduled?
The next league fixture between the two teams is scheduled for December 29, 2024.
In summary
The match on September 28, 2024, showcased Celtic’s attacking prowess and tactical superiority, resulting in a comprehensive 6-0 victory over St. Johnstone. The starting lineups reflected both teams’ strategies, with Celtic opting for an offensive 4-3-3 formation that facilitated their dominant performance. Key players like Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate were instrumental in securing the win, each contributing to the scoreboard. This victory reinforced Celtic’s position at the top of the Scottish Premiership, demonstrating their intent to maintain their lead in the league. For St. Johnstone, the match highlighted areas requiring improvement, particularly in defense, as they prepare for future fixtures. Fans looking to relive the action can find match highlights on official platforms, offering a comprehensive overview of the game’s pivotal moments. As both teams look ahead, their next encounter on December 29, 2024, promises to be another exciting chapter in Scottish football.
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