Celtic travelled to Perth to take on St. Johnstone on Sunday at noon. McDiarmid Park was bathed in a low winter sun as the Hoops put on a show in a tremendous 4-1 victory. 

An Andy Considine own goal, thunderous Kyogo strike, consummate Aaron Mooy finish and accurate David Turnbull was enough for the Hoops to secure the points and head back down to Glasgow nine clear.

5th February 2023; McDiarmid Park, Perth, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, St Johnstone versus Celtic; Callum McGregor of Celtic and Alistair Johnston of Celtic chatting on the pitch before the match

Here’s how the players rated. 

Joe Hart – 7/10

Joe Hart was unable to get his seventh consecutive clean sheet in today’s game. The Englishman arguably could’ve done better for Drey Wright’s drilled effort from range however he did command his area well, coming to collect several crosses, corners and the like. 

Alistair Johnston – 6/10

Alistair Johnston has truly nailed down the right back spot in Ange Postecoglou’s team since signing for Celtic and today, the Canadian was once more ample. In defence, Johnston was continually solid and accurate in build-up play. He proceeds to be a dependable option each match. 

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7/10

The American was well founded at the heart of the Celtic defence. Carter-Vickers was calm and composed when playing out from the back and remained strong and up for the challenge when St. Johnstone threatened. The 25-year-old truly is the best centre half in Scotland. 

Carl Starfelt – 6/10

Similarly to his centre half partner Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt was relatively unchallenged in the Hoops’ backline. The Swede was routinely solid and didn’t let his team down. 

Greg Taylor – 7/10

Greg Taylor was always willing to get on the ball in today’s game as he put in a sufficient display. The left back didn’t have to do much going back however, he kept his concentration and continued to be Celtic’s foremost left back. 

Callum McGregor – 7/10

The Celtic captain kept play going in midfield and covered a wealth of ground for his side. Callum McGregor was ever-present and what he brings to Celtic’s midfield is greatly noticed when he’s not there. 

Reo Hatate – 6/10

The Japanese midfielder kept it simple in the middle of the park. Hatate didn’t seem to put a foot wrong in yet another passable display. 

Aaron Mooy – 8/10

Celtic Aaron Mooy
5th February 2023; McDiarmid Park, Perth, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, St Johnstone versus Celtic; Aaron Mooy of Celtic celebrates after Andrew Considine of St Johnstone makes it 1-0 to Celtic in the 14th minute putting the ball into his own net

Returning to the Celtic lineup, Aaron Mooy once more displayed his optimum footballing quality in today’s match. The Australian had some clever moments of play in midfield and on the 38th minute, lifted the ball sublimely over Remi Matthews after he was played in behind to make it 3-1 Celtic. This season, Mooy has been the Hoops’ most underrated signing and week by week, continued to prove why. 

Jota – 8/10

Jota returned to top-form today, assisting two of his side’s three goals. The Portuguese put it on a plate for Kyogo before elegantly setting up Aaron Mooy with a lofted, perfectly weighted ball in behind. He wasn’t able to net himself, although the 23-year-old should be satisfied with his contributions. 

Daizen Maeda – 6/10

The electric Japanese winger was rather quiet in today’s affair. Daizen Maeda regularly alternated between the left and right flanks but couldn’t seem to contribute as much as he had in recent weeks. 

celtic player ratings
5th February 2023; McDiarmid Park, Perth, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, St Johnstone versus Celtic; Celtic players celebrate after Andrew Considine of St Johnstone makes it 1-0 to Celtic in the 14th minute putting the ball into his own net

Kyogo – 8/10

Kyogo added to his ever-growing tally this afternoon with a thunderous finish from close range on the 22nd minute. The timing of the goal was so fitting for the Japanese as it was also 22nd of the season. Before he made it 2-0, though, Kyogo contributed to his side’s opener, flashing across goal for Andy Considine to knock into his own net. We’re just coming to expect these types of performances every week from Kyogo now although it should be recognised how superb they are. 

Substitutes 

Ange Postecoglou made his first two changes just before the 70th minute as Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda made way for Matt O’Riley and Liel Abada. 

Abada was lively but lacked composure; meanwhile O’Riley neatly played in fellow sub David Turnbull for Celtic’s fourth of the afternoon. The 23-year-old replaced Aaron Mooy with just over ten to go and drilled into the bottom corner from just outside after a free kick that was effectively won by Oh, who came on at the same juncture as Turnbull. 

Celtic’s final change of the afternoon saw Sead Haksabanovic replace Jota however, the Montenegrin didn’t have enough time to affect the match in any way, shape or form. 

After today, Celtic do not play in the league until the 18th of February. Aberdeen will be visiting Celtic Park on that day; however, before it, the Bhoys host St. Mirren in the Scottish Cup next Saturday with a 5.30 pm kick-off pencilled in. 

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