Celtic responded emphatically to their critics with a commanding 3-1 victory over St Johnstone at Parkhead yesterday.
While dominating possession in the first half, the Bhoys had to wait until the 40th minute to break the deadlock. Kyogo Furuhashi displayed his trademark agility, outsmarting St Johnstone’s defense to meet Nicolas Kuhn’s precise cross with a headed goal.
After the break, Furuhashi turned provider, deftly setting up Kuhn with a pinpoint left-footed pass that left the latter with a simple finish.
Maintaining control with 74% possession, Celtic extended their lead through a well-placed shot from James Forrest, orchestrated by a clever pass from Matt O’Riley.
Although Connor Smith scored a consolation goal for the visitors, Celtic’s overall performance left little room for criticism or concern.
With 14 goals scored in their last three home games, Celtic showcased their attacking prowess, while contributions from fringe players eased worries about squad depth—an issue Brendan Rodgers will likely address in the upcoming transfer window.
Tomoki Iwata’s sterling performance exemplified the positive changes at Celtic, with his efficient playmaking and defensive contributions standing out in the victory against St Johnstone.
Iwata’s impressive passing accuracy of 95%—completing 111 out of 117 passes, with 15 reaching the final third—coupled with his defensive workrate, highlighted his impact on the pitch. Despite missing a few scoring chances, he defended adeptly and ensured solidity in midfield.
While fans eagerly await the return of captain Callum McGregor, Iwata’s consistent displays suggest he could play a crucial role in the team’s upcoming fixtures, including the game against Livingston after the international break and the highly anticipated match at Ibrox.
