A last gasp Giorgos Giakoumakis winner sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory in Perth for Celtic.
The Hoops were staring more dropped points on the road in the face when Alex Mitchell equalised in the 93rd minute. But Ange Postecoglou's men responded two minutes later after a late burst and cross from Alexandro Bernabei found the Greek striker who bundled home spelling bedlam in the away end as Giakoumakis ripped off his shirt and celebrated with the travelling support.
Celtic found life tough in Perth as St Johnstone battled throughout the contest. Despite having plenty of the ball Celtic struggled to create clear cut chances as they hit a wall of blue stopping any promising attacks. But a moment of genius from Reo Hatate saw a clever reverse ball slid through to Haksabanovic whose cross was fired into the net by Saints stopper Andrew Considine.
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A frustrating second half continued as Celtic failed to create many more clear cut chances. Liel Abada was put through on goal and should have scored but for a fine save from St Johnstone keeper Remi Matthews. Celtic survived a late scare as a Stevie May effort rattled the post moments later. Celtic continued to defend an onslaught of St Johnstone efforts as the Saints piled on the pressure. But that very, very late winner made all the difference.
Here is three things we learned after a massive win in Perth.
Life without the captain
Celtic begun today’s match without their captain Callum McGregor. Although he would have been suspended regardless for this clash, an ongoing injury scare will see more games like today where the Parkhead side will have to adjust.
It was clear to see that McGregor’s void was felt after he limped off in the Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig. Celtic opted for Danish CDM Oliver Abilgaard during the game in Germany but today started with a more attacking midfield with O’Riley and Hatate opted instead.
The Hoops struggled to get their usual high tempo going with McGregor often the source of that free flowing Ange ball we’ve all come to know. With McGregor out till at least after the World Cup break, this could be worry with crucial games set to come.
Reo magic
In a frustrating game Celtic needed some inspiration. As the first half drew to a close the Hoops were staring deadlock in the face until a moment of magic from Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfield maestro played a clever reserve ball to allow Sead Haksabanovic to play a dangerous ball into the box which was turned in by Saints stopper Considine.
Hatate’s movement and passing range was vital throughout. It’s the second week running that he’s stepped up after a vital goal helped see off Motherwell last week.
They Never Stop
It was not a vintage performance from Celtic by any means. They looked doomed to a disappointing draw and that would not be argued after a below par display.
But despite the 93rd set back the Champions showed real character and raced up the other end with a huge response in the title race. That Giakoumakis winner extends the lead over fierce rivals Rangers to five points.
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