Celtic’s triumphant victory over St Mirren yesterday at Parkhead propelled Brendan Rodgers’ squad four points ahead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
The first half saw Rodgers’ men struggling to find their footing against the unyielding winds, failing to muster a single shot on target. Yet, a surge in the second half saw Celtic dynamically turn the tables, with Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Adam Idah all finding the net to secure a decisive win, widening the gap at the league’s peak—despite Rangers set to face off against Ross County and Dundee in subsequent fixtures.
Hatate’s standout performance rightfully earned him the man-of-the-match title, especially after his sublime goal left fans in awe. However, another unsung hero within Celtic’s ranks emerged that day, showcasing a stellar display pivotal to the team’s success.
Alistair Johnston, who had faced a slight dip in form during the season, rekindled his brilliance against St Mirren, recapturing his former prowess under Ange Postecoglou. Despite narrowly missing out on accolades, Johnston’s noteworthy performance deserved recognition as he shone on the pitch.
Earning a commendable 8.8 rating from Fotmob, Johnston’s standout performance manifested through his meticulous display. Maintaining an influential presence throughout the game, the Canadian international orchestrated 117 touches while completing 93 passes with an impressive 81% accuracy rate. His offensive prowess was evident as he delivered 19 passes into St Mirren’s final third, resulting in two critical assists during the triumph.
Not only did Johnston shine in an attacking capacity, but he also exhibited defensive resilience. With six crucial ball recoveries, four defensive interventions, and prevailing in three duels, the 25-year-old defender showcased a well-rounded performance that left a lasting impact on the Celtic camp.
Johnston’s exemplary contribution has undoubtedly piled the pressure on Rangers, emphasizing the importance of securing victories to thwart Celtic’s charging momentum as they gear up for the top-six split.
