St Johnstone Shock Celtic to Keep Survival Hopes Alive
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari praised his side for giving themselves "a fighting chance" of avoiding relegation after a stunning 1-0 win over Celtic denied the reigning champions an opportunity to potentially clinch the Scottish Premiership title next weekend.
Celtic arrived at McDiarmid Park knowing that a win would set up a potential title party in front of their fans against Kilmarnock. But an early bullet header from Daniels Balodis—his first goal for the club—combined with a gutsy defensive display, earned the bottom side a crucial victory that cuts the gap to Dundee to just five points.
Celtic can still wrap up the title next weekend, but only if they beat Kilmarnock and Rangers slip up at Aberdeen a day later. Balodis' goal, however, means the Hoops can no longer seal the title solely on their own terms in front of their home crowd.
Valakari hailed his team’s effort:
"My players wanted to prove they are good players and that we are a good team."
"There's no better way to do that than against Celtic, especially at home. I'm incredibly proud of their performance."
"We’ve given ourselves a fighting chance. Where it takes us, we’ll see—but we have to keep going to the end."
The goal gave St Johnstone an early lift, and although Celtic’s response was swift and expected, they struggled to break through.
Daizen Maeda’s powerful effort was the first test for keeper Andy Fisher, who diverted it away from danger.
Defender Stephen Duke-McKenna then made a crucial clearance before later stinging the palms of Celtic's Viljami Sinisalo with a swerving shot of his own.
Celtic pressed relentlessly in the second half. Reo Hatate struck the post early after the break and later blasted over a good chance.
James Forrest came closest to equalising, but his shot from close range was brilliantly saved by the in-form Fisher, who also denied Luke McCowan late on.
At the other end, St Johnstone showed some attacking threat too.
Benji Kimpioka used his strength to cause problems, and Victor Griffith saw a deflected effort loop just over the bar.
The result breathes life into St Johnstone’s battle for top-flight survival, which continues next weekend away to Dundee United before the season’s post-split run-in.
They’ll also face Celtic again in the Scottish Cup semi-final on 20 April.
Celtic Falter on Frustrating Afternoon
It was an uncharacteristically flat performance from Celtic, who looked off the pace in Perth.
They were stunned by the early goal and, despite dominating possession, lacked the cutting edge needed to break down a spirited St Johnstone backline.
Regular attacking threats like Maeda, Hatate, and Jota weren’t at their sharpest, and the visitors’ failure to convert chances left Brendan Rodgers visibly frustrated.
The result won’t derail Celtic’s title ambitions, but the delay in securing the crown—especially when the stage was set for a celebratory run-in—will sting.
Rodgers demands urgency and precision, and while there were flashes of it, they weren’t sustained or effective enough on the day.
Brave St Johnstone Reap the Rewards
Facing a side who had outscored them 10-0 across their previous meetings this season, St Johnstone set up boldly and were rewarded for their fearlessness.
The early goal gave them belief, and from that moment on, they defended their lead with determination and grit.
Fisher was outstanding between the posts, making crucial saves to preserve a win that could prove decisive in the relegation battle.
After 16 consecutive years in the top flight, St Johnstone are desperate to avoid the drop, and this victory could be a pivotal moment both mathematically and mentally.
While Valakari might be left wondering where this kind of performance has been all season, he'll be hoping it's a turning point.
With momentum now on their side, the fight for survival is very much alive.
What they said:
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari: "There were a lot of good performances, starting from the striker all the way, of course, to our goalkeeper. You need in these matches to make saves and Andy Fisher made those saves.
"Our players, mentally, they were switched on all the time. Early goal helps because then you have even more to hang on to. Our players, they can defend."
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "Bitterly disappointed in the start of the game. It's happened too many times. I've seen a trend now with us, and it will be interesting between now and the end of the season in terms of mentality.
"We talked about being a top team and having talent but also having drive, desire and ambition to win and having spirt, and too many of our players have been too comfortable.
"There's no excuse, we also have to give a big, big credit to St Johnstone. We were disappointed in the game in terms of our attitude.."