CELTIC reigned in the rain at storm-lashed McDiarmid Park last night in their rampant 3-0 victory over St Johnstone.
The champions maintained their five-point advantage at the Premiership pinnacle as they blitzed the Perth outfit with a pulverising three-goal salvo in a runaway first-half performance.
Olivier Ntcham started the rout with a devastating header in the sixth minute and James Forrest whipped in a second in the 20th minute. Six minutes later, it was all over as Leigh Griffiths sent a cushioned volley beyond the helpless Zander Clark for the third following fine work from Greg Taylor on the left.
Remarkably, the comeback frontman’s effort was the TENTH goal the Hoops have claimed against Tommy Wright’s side in two games, following up the 7-0 romp on Flag Day at Parkhead at the beginning of August.
In fact, the eight-in-a-row champions have fired in THIRTY strikes without reply in nine outings against the Saints.
They could – and should – have added to that tally in the second-half, but they took their foot off the gas and were content with a three-goal winning margin.
CQN‘s top snappers were in Perth to capture the action. Here is the pick of the pics.
HEAD BHOY…Olivier Ntcham thumps an effort beyond the helpless Zander Clark.
HOOP HOOP HOORAY…Olivier Ntcham celebrates with Greg Taylor.
BY THE RIGHT…James Forrest’s low drive zips unerringly into the net.
HAPPY DAZE…James Forrest is all smiles after his excellent effort.
CHEERS…James Forrest is congratulated by his team-mates after his strike.
SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT…Leigh Griffiths yells with joy after his goal.
LIFT OFF…Leigh Griffiths is congratulated by Greg Taylor.
THAT’S MY BHOY…Jozo Simunovic shares the joy with Leigh Griffiths.
TWO INTO ONE…Leigh Griffiths and Greg Taylor battle with Saints’ David Wotherspoon for possession.
FIST IN TIME…Fraser Forster deals with an aerial threat.
CRUNCH…Mikey Johnston is left standing as Jason Kerr gets into clear.
IN POLE POSITION…Patryk Klimala showed signs of promise during his brief stint.
END GAME…Fraser Forster comforts counterpart Zander Clark.
SOME LIKE IT HOT…Neil Lennon wraps up for a cold, wet night in Perth.
