St Johnstone secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Kilmarnock on the opening day of the Premiership season, showcasing a resilient character that manager Simo Valakari had praised. The team faced a significant test in the 53rd minute when, despite periods of dominance, they found themselves trailing 3-2 to a Kilmarnock side that had capitalized on defensive errors.
Goalkeeper Toby Steward was culpable for Kilmarnock's second goal, and an own goal by captain Jason Holt shortly after put the visitors ahead. The momentum shifted dramatically, raising concerns among the home crowd about the team's ability to respond. However, Valakari's decisive attacking substitutions, a hallmark of his management style, inspired his players to reclaim the lead and secure all three points.
"That was a test of character," Valakari said after the match. "The Premiership is different; there was a lot of talk about that. Would we be this team who plays nice football in the Premiership but concedes goals and loses? How the players pushed until the end was very good. That’s what football is all about — the emotions and suffering in parts of the game."
Kilmarnock, under manager Neil McCann, displayed uncharacteristic sloppiness from the outset. Aaron Tshibola's stumble in the 16th minute allowed St Johnstone to open the scoring. Sam Stanton initiated a swift counter-attack, with Ruari Paton and Jamie Gullan involved before Josh Fowler finished from eight yards. This was a significant goal for Fowler, who had a modest scoring record for St Johnstone prior to this breakthrough.
Against the run of play, Kilmarnock equalized before halftime when Greg Kiltie scored from close range after Tom Lowery's header. St Johnstone regained the lead in the 47th minute through Cheick Diabate's powerful header from a Gullan corner. However, their lead was short-lived as Joe Hugill's touch looped the ball over Steward, and Holt's unfortunate own goal put Kilmarnock 3-2 ahead.
Valakari responded by making attacking changes, bringing on Kai Fotheringham and Louis Lloyd. The tactical switch paid dividends when Lloyd, with his first touch, helped a Gullan free-kick into the net off Kilmarnock defender Michael Schjønning-Larsen. The late surge continued when Fowler exchanged passes with Fotheringham in the 80th minute, and Fotheringham scored his first Premiership goal to seal the victory.
"We were really poor; we are much better than that," admitted Kilmarnock boss McCann. "I don’t think we played enough good football to even merit being 3-2 up. But when you get there, you shouldn’t lose from that position. The fourth was a ridiculous goal to lose. We let ourselves down, the club down and the fans down. St Johnstone were better than us. We just weren’t at it."
Valakari acknowledged that the team has areas to improve but expressed satisfaction with the start. "As a football fan and a football romantic, it was a beautiful match. I never doubted the character of my players. I felt the togetherness."