Celtic 3-0 St Mirren: Three things we learned

By Ethan Barlow

Celtic secure what could be a vital victory in the title race (Image: Getty Images)

Second-half goals from Reo Hatate, Kyogo and substitute Adam Idah move Celtic four points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Here are the key takeaways from the Celts’ victory over the Saints:

A game of two halves for the champions, again

The hosts laboured in the first half, but turned on the style after the break (Image: Getty Images)

Celtic have earned a reputation this season for playing two contradictory halves, and that was the case again here. The Hoops’ Ibrox performance followed a similar pattern when after a brilliant first-half display, the second half was lacklustre and allowed Rangers back into proceedings. Even when Celtic beat Dundee 7-1 at Celtic Park, the second-half performance left a lot to be desired.

On this occasion, it was a dull first period which left Celtic fans nervy at the break. St Mirren were undoubtedly the better team in the first half and could consider themselves unlucky not to go in at the break ahead. Celtic had just one shot in the first half.

Celtic stepped out of the tunnel onto the Parkhead turf for the second half and instantly there was an increase in urgency from Brendan Rodgers’ men. After forcing Zach Hemming into some good saves and earning some early corners, Celtic had the lead after 52 minutes.

Alistair Johnston’s industry paid off and when he picked out Celtic’s creator, the Japanese international did the rest. After controlling on the edge of the area with his left, his finish with the outside of his right summed up the quality of the midfielder Celtic have missed with his injuries this season.

For the home side’s second, Johnston turned provider yet again. A brilliant cross from the right left Kyogo with a header he wasn't going to miss, and within 15 minutes of the second half beginning, Celtic had gone from nervy to pretty comfortable.

Rodgers made a whole host of substitutions, as many as six, as Maik Nawrocki was replaced by Stephen Welsh after St Mirren used a concussion substitution to replace Elvis Bwomono. This left the game open, and with 10 minutes left, Celtic had a third. Idah helped win the ball back and got his rewards as he finished the Celtic attack as well as finishing the Paisley side’s hopes of points.

Over to Rangers

Rodgers’ side have piled the pressure on their city rivals (Image: Getty Images)

Celtic’s win moves them four points clear of their rivals, despite Rangers having two games in hand to return to the top of the league. Rangers will travel to Dingwall before finally being able to play Dundee at Dens Park on Wednesday.

These two matches are the final games before the league splits into two six-team mini leagues where the Glasgow pair will learn their final five fixtures before we find out what colour ribbons will be on this season’s title.

Celtic learn their final five opponents of the league season

The split is upon us,, as is the closest title race for many a year (Image: Getty Images)

Celtic have now played every Scottish Premiership team three times and now know their final five opponents in the way of their third Premiership title on the trot.

The fixtures aren't yet announced but Celtic now know they will need to travel to Dens Park to face Dundee, who secured a top-half finish with a draw at Pittodrie. Celtic will also travel to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock and St Mirren Park to face today’s opponents yet again.

Celtic will have the pleasure of hosting Hearts at Celtic Park. Parkhead will also host the final league Old Firm meeting of the season, which might only be a few weeks away and is likely to have a major say on this season’s title destination.