Celtic secured a 2-1 comeback victory away to St Mirren in the Premiership on Saturday, maintaining their perfect start to the campaign. Goals from Liam Scales and Yang overturned a first-half deficit to deliver all three points in a top-of-the-table clash in Paisley, as reported by the club's official website, www.celticfc.com.
The result leaves Celtic first in the Premiership with 15 points from five wins, three points clear of Heart of Midlothian. They have scored 13 goals and conceded just three, giving them a +10 goal difference. Their recent form shows five consecutive wins, with the latest being this 2-1 triumph on September 5.
How did Celtic turn the game around?
St Mirren took the lead in the first half, putting Celtic under pressure. Manager Martin O'Neill's side responded after the break. "We started the second half very, very strongly, and while people might think it was a matter of time, it wasn't really like that," O'Neill told CelticPlayer. The equaliser came from defender Liam Scales, who found the net to level the score.
The winning goal was scored by Yang, who is set to leave the club. O'Neill described the team's performance as having sparkling moments and strong counter-attacking play. He noted the team had four breaks that led directly to the decisive goal. Despite creating chances to put the game beyond doubt, the manager acknowledged St Mirren were never out of the contest.
What does this mean for the league table?
This hard-fought win solidifies Celtic's position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. The 100% record from five matches provides a strong platform as the season develops. You can view the latest standings to see the full picture. The team's defensive record of only three goals conceded in five games is a key factor in their early success.
O'Neill was pleased with the character shown. "I’m naturally delighted to win the game, and coming from behind as well," he said. The victory in Paisley demonstrates an ability to grind out results even when not at their absolute best, a trait vital for any title-chasing side.
Who is currently unavailable for selection?
Celtic achieved this result while dealing with several absences. The current injury list includes Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, Kasper Høgh, Kieran Tierney, and Jota. Their return will provide a boost, and you can track player availability on the club's injuries page. Navigating these absences has tested the squad's depth in the opening weeks.
What is next for Celtic?
Attention now turns to the next fixture, a massive home clash against rivals Rangers on September 20. Rangers currently sit fourth in the table, making it a critical early-season encounter. Fans can check the full fixtures schedule for details on all upcoming matches. This derby presents the next major test for Celtic's flawless start.
The team will look to carry this winning momentum forward. Securing three points from a difficult away fixture builds confidence. The squad's ability to respond to adversity was clear for all to see at the SMISA Stadium. Celtic's next challenge is to prepare for the visit of their oldest rivals in two weeks' time.
