St Johnstone's Stunning Upset: Celtic's Shock Defeat
Okay, let's talk about that St Johnstone vs. Celtic match. Honestly, who saw that coming? Celtic had just thrashed Hearts 3-0, and everyone figured they'd stroll to another win against bottom-of-the-table St Johnstone. But on April 6th, at McDiarmid Park, something incredible happened. St Johnstone, the underdogs, pulled off a massive 1-0 upset, sending shockwaves through Scottish football. It was a real David versus Goliath moment.
Where and When Did the Magic Happen?
The match kicked off at midday on Sunday, April 6th, at McDiarmid Park in Perth. If you're in the UK and Ireland, you could've caught it on Sky Sports Main Event and Football, or streamed it via Now TV. For those of us internationally, Celtic TV had us covered.
St Johnstone's Defensive Masterclass
St Johnstone's victory wasn't built on luck; it was pure grit and determination. Their defense was phenomenal. Right from the start, Daniels Balodis scored a header just four minutes in – off a free kick, no less! That early goal stunned Celtic and set the tone for the rest of the game. Celtic dominated possession, sure, but St Johnstone's defense, led by the impressive Stephen Duke-McKenna and Andy Fisher (who made some seriously crucial saves!), held strong. They were a wall.
Celtic's Off Day
While Reo Hatate put in a decent shift (I'd give him an 8/10 too!), many other Celtic players seemed to have an off day. Daizen Maeda, usually so prolific, just wasn't himself. And Nicolas Kuhn? His struggles continued, resulting in a halftime substitution. The midfield also seemed lost, with even Callum McGregor receiving a somewhat disappointing 6/10. You could sense Brendan Rodgers' frustration – his post-match comments hinted that maybe the team had gotten a little too comfortable with their league position. He was especially hard on Kuhn, whose goal drought stretched to a frustrating seven games.
Tactical Brilliance From St Johnstone
Simo Valakari's tactical plan was pure genius. St Johnstone didn't back down; they disrupted Celtic’s rhythm and completely frustrated their attack. The players' commitment and determination were inspiring. They fought for every ball, for every inch of ground. To hold onto that lead was just incredible.
What Now?
This unexpected defeat is a huge wake-up call for Celtic. It’s a reminder that even with a big lead in the league, you can’t afford to lose focus. For St Johnstone, this win is massive – a huge morale boost, and three essential points in their battle to avoid relegation. This result definitely adds some serious spice to the remaining Premiership fixtures. It's going to be a wild ride!
