Mika Baur celebrated his first goal for Celtic as the Scottish champions continued their flawless start to the current Premiership campaign, now extending their winning run to six matches. The victory came against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, a venue where the hosts have remained unbeaten this season, but Celtic’s experience and tactical adjustments proved decisive. Ahead of the fixture, manager Martin O'Neill announced a significant reshuffle, making five changes to his starting eleven.
Goalkeeper Kasper Hogh, returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off, was handed the gloves, while Sam Johnstone, on loan from an English club, was also listed as a backup option. The changes reflected O'Neill’s desire to keep the squad fresh ahead of a congested schedule that includes a looming Europa League tie and the highly anticipated Old Firm clash in both the cup and the league.
The match began with St Johnstone’s new signing Joel Cotterill, making his first start for the Saints, testing the Celtic defence early on. Johnstone produced a spectacular reflex save, tipping Cotterill’s low cross onto the crossbar and keeping the ball out of the net. That moment set the tone for a tightly contested first half, with both sides creating a handful of chances but failing to break the deadlock. The breakthrough finally arrived after the interval.
Haissem Hassan, the Egyptian international, drifted into the attacking third and delivered a precise low cross into the box. Baur, timing his run perfectly, met the ball with a deft tap‑in that sent the stadium into a brief roar. It was a moment of personal triumph for Baur, who had been a regular fixture in the midfield but had not yet found the back of the net for Celtic.
The goal also gave O'Neill’s side the lead they needed to control the tempo of the game. Soon after, Hassan appeared to be on the verge of doubling Celtic’s advantage. He found space in the penalty area and struck, only for the ball to be ruled out of play before it could cross the line. The referee consulted the assistant, who indicated that the ball had gone out of bounds prior to Hassan’s shot, nullifying what would have been his first goal for the club.
The decision sparked a brief debate among the pundits, with Sky Sports’ James McFadden noting the difficulty of making definitive calls on such fine margins. St Johnstone, despite being unbeaten at home this season, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Their attempts were often thwarted by Celtic’s organized defence and the vigilant goalkeeping of Johnstone, who made another crucial save in the 19th minute, palming away a low cross from Alic that had seemed destined for the back of the net.
Throughout the second half, the Saints tried to press higher up the pitch, but Celtic’s midfield, anchored by the likes of McGregor and Campbell, kept the pressure at bay. The match featured a series of notable incidents that kept the commentary team busy.
At the 40th minute, St Johnstone’s Diabate saw his effort deflected off the line by Celtic defender Donovan, while a well‑timed cross from Tounekti was headed away by Diabate himself a few minutes later. Celtic’s own attack saw Steven McAlear beat his marker and set up a shot that was comfortably saved by Johnstone, underscoring the fine balance between attack and defence on both sides. In the 66th minute, a controversial moment unfolded when Hogh inadvertently headed the ball back to Hassan, who then smashed it towards goal.
However, the referee ruled the play dead, stating that the ball had gone out of play before Hogh’s header, and the goal was disallowed. The decision was met with murmurs from the crowd, but the referee’s interpretation stood, preserving the 1‑0 scoreline. Later, St Johnstone’s Nygren found the net with a powerful strike that forced Johnstone into a crucial save, and Forrest’s attempts from the edge of the box were repeatedly denied by Celtic’s goalkeeper, who displayed composure under pressure.
The Saints also came close when Alic’s shot rattled the post, highlighting how narrowly they missed equalising. Despite the limited number of goals, the match was a tactical showcase. O'Neill’s side demonstrated disciplined defending, efficient transition play, and the ability to capitalize on set‑piece opportunities. Baur’s goal, though modest in appearance, was a testament to his positional awareness and finishing instinct.
The win marked Celtic’s 13th consecutive victory across all competitions, a streak that began in the closing weeks of the previous season and underscores the club’s dominance in Scottish football. In the post‑match press conference, O'Neill reflected on the performance, admitting that the team could have been more clinical. He praised Johnstone’s early save, noting that without it, St Johnstone might have taken the lead. O'Neill also emphasized the importance of maintaining focus ahead of the upcoming fixtures, especially the high‑stakes Old Firm encounter with Rangers, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari acknowledged his side’s moments of promise but lamented missed chances. He highlighted the difficulty of breaking down a quality opponent like Celtic, stating that the Saints created enough opportunities to score but failed to convert them, leading to disappointment. Looking forward, Celtic remain five points clear of second‑placed Rangers, with the next league match against their arch‑rivals scheduled for the following Sunday.
The victory over St Johnstone not only solidified their position at the top of the table but also provided a morale boost as they juggle domestic commitments and European ambitions. Overall, the match was a blend of strategic adjustments, individual brilliance, and contentious refereeing decisions.
It reinforced Celtic’s status as the team to beat in Scotland while offering St Johnstone a glimpse of what they can achieve when they execute their game plan effectively. The narrative of Baur’s first Celtic goal will be remembered by fans as a milestone in his career and a key moment in a season that continues to unfold with excitement and anticipation.