Celtic 2-1 St Mirren: League leaders battle to win over stubborn St Mirren

Oh Hyeon-gyu’s late strike saw Scottish Premiership league leaders Celtic come from behind to beat a spirited St Mirren.

Turnbull missed from the penalty spot just before the break, but with just seven minutes left, Oh fired beyond Zach Hemming to secure all three points and maintain Celtic’s advantage at the top of the table.

St Mirren remain third but, for a time, they might have been within five points of the leaders.

Robinson had called for his players to raise their already high levels for this game, and they certainly started brightly.

Their early pressure was rewarded when Greg Kiltie whipped in a dangerous ball from the left, McMenamin found space among a static Celtic defence, and the Northern Irishman planted his header past Joe Hart into the corner.

Turnbull returned to the starting line-up in place of the injured Reo Hatate and reminded home fans of his ability when Matt O’Riley created space and found his fellow midfielder, who smashed a wonderful strike into the top corner.

What an impact to ease early frustrations.

However, Turnbull was unable to add a second after a VAR review determined that Alex Gogic had handled inside the box.

Turnbull’s spot-kick cannoned of Zach Hemming’s upright, the goalkeeper denied Luis Palma on the follow-up, and the chance was gone.

James Forrest and Yang Hyun-Jun were both denied by Hemming from close range as Celtic pushed for a winner.

They increasingly dominated the ball and territory but came up against a St Mirren side determined to get something.

They found that vital winner though when two substitutes combined. Odin Thiago Holm played a delightful pass into the path of Oh and he finished emphatically for a vital three points.

Player of match – Oh Hyeon-gyu (Celtic)

Oh takes chance with vital goal – analysis

Celtic came into this after a frustrating draw at Easter Road, perhaps feeling the intensity of their schedule. Rodgers made a few changes that didn’t seem to pay-off, with recent stand-out O’Riley largely nullified apart from his assist.

Turnbull did make an impact with the equaliser but might have made this a far more straightforward game for his side had he converted the penalty.

Oh, though, did take his chance and finally delivered a goal could prove so important in the long run, for both him and Celtic.

St Mirren are a side bang in form. They came with a clear plan and it so nearly paid off. They rode their luck at times but offered an overall performance that showed why they are where they are.

When they fell behind they mustered a threat despite that blow.

They are a very good side and this experience at Celtic Park will only add to their belief. There’s no reason they can’t stay in third. None at all.

What’s next?

Celtic travel to Dingwall for the early kick-off on Saturday against Ross County (12:30 GMT). St Mirren don’t play this weekend and host Hibernian next Wednesday (19:45).