Reo Hatate made up for Brighton-bound Matt O’Riley’s absence with a midfield masterclass to help Celtic return to the top of the table with a 3-0 win at St Mirren.
Paulo Bernardo took O’Riley’s spot in the Celtic engine room but it was player-of-the-match Hatate who shone brightest, creating five chances and netting a composed second goal when his side-foot finish nestled in off the far post in the 33rd minute.
That goal added to Celtic’s early advantage through Callum McGregor, whose 20-yard strike in the third minute beat Ellery Balcombe at his near post and set the tone for what was to come.
Celtic are still yet to concede a goal in the Scottish Premiership this season and they did not even give away a shot on target in a dominant first half at St Mirren Park, and should have been further ahead at the interval.
A half-time double change from home boss Stephen Robinson improved his side but they still failed to test Kasper Schmeichel, and instead Celtic wrapped up victory 20 minutes from time.
Canada international Alistair Johnston saves his goals for St Mirren and netted his second against the club – and only his third for Celtic – with a fine finish into the top corner from substitute Nicolas Kuhn’s tee-up.
The emphatic result moved the champions back two points clear at the top of the early standings, though Aberdeen could join them with a victory against Kilmarnock later on Sunday.
More to follow…