Celtic maintained their perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season with an emphatic 3-0 victory over St Mirren on Sunday. Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate struck in the first half to put the Bhoys in control, with Alistair Johnston scoring in the second to ensure they would leave with all three points.
Celtic got off to a superb start, with captain McGregor latching onto James Forrest's lay-off to pick out the bottom-right corner inside the opening three minutes. The visitors' dominance was rewarded with a second goal just after the half-hour mark, with Hatate coolly slotting in via the inside of the far post.
St Mirren started the second half on the front foot, though only Jaden Brown tested Kasper Schmeichel, who got down well to hold onto his low shot. Celtic soon took control once more, with Johnston darting into the box to meet Nicolas Kuhn's low cross and rifle in a third goal in the 71st minute to settle the game.
A Dominant Performance
Celtic's performance was a testament to their strength and depth. They controlled the game from start to finish, creating numerous chances and limiting St Mirren to very few opportunities. The Bhoys' dominance was reflected in their possession statistics, with Celtic enjoying a 62% share of the ball and completing nearly 500 more passes than their opponents.
Hatate Steps Up
The absence of Matt O'Riley, who is on the verge of a move to Brighton, was hardly noticeable with Hatate stepping up in his place. The Japanese midfielder was a constant threat, making clever runs and creating numerous chances for his teammates. He was deservedly named the man of the match, playing a pivotal role in Celtic's victory.
McGregor's Consistency
McGregor continues to be a key player for Celtic, scoring his second goal of the season with his precise shot in the early minutes of the match. The captain is a vital part of Brendan Rodgers' midfield, providing leadership and experience to the young squad.
The Road Ahead
The 3-0 win at St Mirren is a huge boost for Celtic ahead of their upcoming Old Firm derby against Rangers next Sunday. Rodgers will be looking to continue his team's excellent start to the season with another victory. The game is set to be a tense affair, with both teams looking to claim bragging rights in the early stages of the season.
The Bhoys will need to be at their best if they are to overcome their rivals, who are also enjoying a strong start to the season. With the momentum on their side, Celtic will be confident of claiming another victory.
Looking Ahead
Celtic's victory over St Mirren was a statement of intent. They are clearly a team with ambition and desire, and they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Scottish Premiership this season. With a talented squad, a strong manager, and a clear desire to win, Celtic will be looking to challenge for every trophy available to them.
The O'Riley Factor
While Celtic's victory over St Mirren was a positive result, the departure of O'Riley is a significant loss for the club. The Denmark midfielder is a talented player who has been instrumental in their recent successes. However, with the arrival of Paulo Bernardo, Celtic have shown that they have the depth and quality to cope with O'Riley's departure.
Key Takeaways
This match showcased the strength and depth of the Celtic team, with players stepping up in the absence of key players. Hatate's performance was particularly noteworthy. With the Old Firm derby on the horizon, Celtic's confidence is high, and they will be looking to continue their impressive start to the season.
