SPFL

Sunday, December 26, 2021

McDiarmid Park, Perth

ST JOHNSTONE… 0

CELTIC… 3

(Abada 9’, 22’), (Bitton 82’)

Celtic ended the year of 2021 with an impressive away win in Perth against St Johnstone thanks to goals from the Israeli duo Liel Abada and Nir Bitton.

It was a game that needed the depth of the squad as Ange Postecoglou was forced into five changes from the 0-0 draw midweek against St Mirren and with a host of Youth Academy prospects filling the bench.

But the Bhoys did not disappoint as they took control from the first minute to the last to enter the winter break with a victory.

After struggling to find a goal against St Mirren on Wednesday, the Celts looked to start on the front foot to try and get the game out of sight early on.

Abada was leading the line alongside Kyogo and the Israeli linked up well with Rogic after six minutes to set the Australian up, but he could only hit his effort wide of the post.

However, just three minutes later and this time Abada would go from provider to goalscorer to give the Celts an early lead. Juranovic won the ball high up the park and the Croatian curled a brilliant ball into the middle of the box for Abada who had a first-time effort saved, before heading in the rebound just yards out.

Celtic looked to be in the mood for more but were dealt a blow when Kyogo was forced off with an injury after 14 minutes. His replacement was 18-year-old striker Joey Dawson for his first-team debut having impressed for the B side this season.

But it was the other man spearheading the attack who would double the lead on the 22^nd minute. Rogic found himself in space on the edge of the area and played a pinpoint pass through the St Johnstone defence straight into the path of Abada, who slotted low into the bottom left corner for his 10^th goal of the season.

The 20-year-old attacker seemed to be enjoying his afternoon in Perth and was on the hunt for his hattrick and he almost had it on 31 minutes. Playing on the last line of the defence, Bitton found his international teammate with a perfectly weighted ball and Abada raced through on goal but his effort was well saved by Elliot Parish in the host's goal.

The Celts were impressive in the opening 45, with Ange Postecoglou’s side playing some superb attacking football. A third goal before the break would have been a fine reward for their display and Scales almost got it just at the interval, but had a snap shot from close range well stopped.

Celtic enter winter break with three goals and three points against St Johnstone