UNIQUE ANGLE: PERTH, WIN AND FIRED-UP
FIRED-UP Celtic made certain there was no repeat of stoppage-time drama in Perth yesterday.
Back in October, the champions were stunned when Alex Mitchell scrambled in a late, late equaliser after the visitors had held a fragile lead following an Andy Considine own goal when he deflected in a rasping low cross from Sead Haksabanovic.
Remarkably, the Saints defender staged an action replay this time around when he knocked a low ball from Kyogo Furuhashi past a startled Remy Matthews for the breakthrough strike in the 13th minute. Could the previous encounter be re-enacted?
RISE AND SHINE…Carl Starfelt repels a St Johnstone air raid.
Four months ago, it looked as though the Hoops had waved farewell to two precious points. However, with the curtain about to drop, James McCarthy battled for possession on the left wing before setting Alexandro Barnabei on his way down the flank.
The Argentinian defender sizzled over a low cross and Giorgos Giakoumakis appeared smack on time to turn the ball in from a couple of yards. Job done and three points on their way to Paradise.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s men were in no mood to allow Saints to get anywhere near a point on this occasion. Kyogo whipped in the second and, despite a long-range effort from Drey Wright dipping beyond Joe Hart, the visitors responded before the interval with a lovely dinked finish from Aaron Mooy.
And it was all over long before David Turnbull thumped in No.4 in stoppage-time. The last-gasp goal celebrations were not quite frenetic as they had been in October.
The performance and goals are worth a second look courtesy of the good folk from Celtic TV.
Enjoy!
