Mika Baur scored the only goal of the game in the 54th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Celtic over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, extending the club's winning start to the league season to six games. This surpasses the total reached under Brendan Rodgers last season and contributes to a positive atmosphere around Parkhead.
Despite a mix of familiar and new faces in the starting lineup, including a debut for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Celtic were not at their scintillating best. Manager Martin O'Neill fielded a side with several changes from previous matches, with Cameron Carter-Vickers rested due to fatigue, and key players like Camilo Duran, Benjamin Nygren, and Kieran Tierney starting from the bench. New signings Dane Murray, Oliver Sorensen, Seb Tounekti, and Kasper Hogh were introduced.
St Johnstone, managed by Simo Valakari, also made changes, bringing in Daniel Finlayson, Matty Todd, Joel Cotterill, and Josh Campbell. The home side competed strongly throughout the match, with Cotterill missing a notable chance in the first half.
Celtic started with intent, and Haissem Hassan was a constant threat on the wing. A move involving Tounekti, Hogh, and Hassan created an early chance, but Toby Steward in the St Johnstone goal denied Hassan's low strike. The visitors struggled to find their killer instinct in the final third during the first half, with several promising positions failing to result in clear-cut opportunities.
After the break, O'Neill urged his players to take more responsibility, and the breakthrough came shortly after. Tounekti's work on the left created space for a cross, which found Hassan. The winger then delivered a low ball that evaded the Saints' defense, allowing Baur to finish at the far post for his first Celtic goal.
As St Johnstone pushed for an equalizer, Celtic looked to exploit the space. Hassan came close to doubling the lead, and substitute James Forrest also tested Steward. St Johnstone continued to press, with Enes Alic firing a shot narrowly wide and Steward making saves from Hogh and Nygren late in the game. Ruari Paton had a final chance in injury time, but his shot was too central to beat Johnstone.
The victory maintains Celtic's strong start to the season, with their next fixture being a Europa League opener against Ferencvaros, sandwiched between two upcoming clashes with rivals Rangers.