Celtic’s unbeaten streak in Scottish football has been extended to 53 games now, but it was nearly snapped at the hands of St Johnstone on Saturday.
The visiting side made a full fist of it, but ultimately they only came out with a 1-1 draw. Here’s three things we learned from the action:
Mid-week selection wrong from Rodgers
Celtic lost their match at Astana in midweek, but they still advanced easily in the Champions League. Ahead of that game, key players were rested. They were chosen for that match and this one, and it really seems to have showed here. Celtic were not as sharp as usual, and it points to Brendan Rodgers getting it wrong this time.
Since arriving at Parkhead, the Northern Irish boss has rarely done that, but he perhaps could have done a better job this time around by allowing his players more time to rest ahead of this game. It was a long trip, and it showed in the end. Brendan Rodger even admitted they lacked energy, and it is a very fair assessment.
Gordon makes big mistake
The goal for St Johnstone came via a lot of error and controversy. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon received a back pass and proceeded to hit a terrible outside left-footed pass. It went to a Saints player and he immediately played it to the pressing player who tapped in.
There were shouts for offside, but at the end of the day the goal stood. Rodgers also took blame for it, saying it’s the way he likes to play. This is a good point, but there is a question over whether Gordon should be in there any longer with the team they now have? A better, more footballing, and younger goalkeeper could be just the ticket moving forward.
Second half performance tremendous
Celtic might have been sapped of energy in the first half, but they performed admirably in the second to fight back and grab a point. Before Rodgers came to Celtic Park, they might have just let it go and settled for a defeat. But not this Celtic. They are in a fight with themselves (and Aberdeen) for now, and they want all of the points possible.
They pelted away and piled on the pressure, and eventually the Saints did collapse. Callum McGregor and Scott Sinclair were were attempting to play a one-two when the loose ball fell to McGregor. And he made no mistake by lashing home, giving Celtic an equalizer after 79 minutes.
