Celtic Edge Out St Mirren to Maintain Pressure on Premiership Leaders Hearts

Celtic secured a narrow 1-0 victory over St Mirren to stay within three points of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts. The winning goal came courtesy of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's first-half strike, which saw Martin O'Neill's side leapfrog Rangers into second place. Despite a strong start, Celtic struggled to find their rhythm, with Oxlade-Chamberlain's 15th-minute goal proving the difference. St Mirren had limited opportunities, with their best chance falling to Jonah Ayunga, who fired wide after a mazy run. Celtic's Benjamin Nygren and Tomas Cvancara also had chances to extend the lead, but were denied by the St Mirren defense. In the second half, substitute Kelechi Iheanacho missed a gilt-edged opportunity to seal the win, poking wide from close range. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed concerns over his team's energy levels, stating, 'We lacked energy, and in the second half, we surrendered possession quite easily.' St Mirren boss Craig McLeish was disappointed with the result, citing a lack of creativity in the final third as the key factor in their defeat.