St Mirren 0-2 Celtic: Three things we learned

By Ethan Barlow

Celtic progressed to the quarter-finals after a comfortable victory over the Buddies (Image: Getty Images)

Celtic ended their difficult stretch of away games with a win to book their place in the Scottish Cup quarter-final. Goals in either half from Kyogo and Daizen Maeda (see below) secured the win for the Bhoys.

 

Here are some of the key takeaways from the Celts’ win in Paisley:

 

Rodgers’ unbeaten Scottish Cup record continues

Brendan Rodgers is yet to taste defeat in a Scottish Cup fixture (Image: Getty Images)

 

Brendan Rodgers is yet to lose a Scottish Cup match, and the Celtic boss will look to triumph for the third time in this competition, after the two he won in his first stint in Glasgow.

 

Celtic started the game the better of the two sides, and after a quarter of an hour, the visitors had the lead. Luis Palma broke down the left-hand side and his cutback to the edge of the box perfectly set up Kyogo for a first-time strike into the bottom corner. Kyogo started alongside Adam Idah after the Japanese international started on the bench at Easter Road. This was Kyogo’s first goal since his Old Firm winner at the end of last year.

 

St Mirren had their chances, but with a mix of good goalkeeping from Joe Hart and a lack of clinical finishing, Celtic went in at the break ahead.

 

It was more of the same in the second period, and although Celtic weren’t brilliant, they deserved their lead. When Matt O’Riley struck the bar, it looked like Celtic had missed another chance to double their lead, but Maeda was there to turn in the rebound and give the holders a two-goal cushion.

 

St Mirren could take positives from their display, but Celtic got the job done, and in a rough patch, like they are, Celtic will be happy with a positive result to advance in the competition.

 

Tactical tweaks benefit the cup holders

 

After having Idah and Kyogo on at the same time when Celtic got that precious winner at Easter Road, Rodgers opted to play them both from the start at St Mirren Park. Idah offered a focal point as the traditional number nine, whereas Kyogo roamed in a number 10-like role, something we’ve not seen a lot of this season. Kyogo’s position allowed him to appear on the end of Palma’s cutback which got him back in amongst the goals.

 

If Rodgers is to go forward with his 4-2-3-1 formation, it will possibly mean fewer attacking contributions for Celtic’s top scorer O’Riley. The Danish international would have to be more reserved, partnering Callum McGregor at the base of the champions’ midfield. O’Riley still managed to be involved on the front foot in this game, being heavily involved in Celtic’s second.

 

By no means was it a perfect performance by the Celts, but it was better than what Celtic fans have seen over the last few weeks and on a poor surface there were positives to be taken. This tweak may take the Celtic fans a while to get used to after seeing so much of Ange Postecoglou’s 4-3-3 system.

 

 Hart impresses again

Is Hart beginning to repay his manager’s faith? (Image: Getty Images)

 

The former English number one has had some criticism thrown his way over the last year or so, but his performances over the last two games have been impressive and helped Celtic to crucial wins.

 

If Celtic are to retain the Scottish Cup and the league title this season, they will need Hart to be regularly turning in these kinds of performances.

 

Celtic will go back to Celtic Park next Saturday (17 February) when they host Kilmarnock. Celtic will also be back in the East End of Glasgow for their cup quarter-final tie against a struggling Livingston.

SportEthan Barlow