Instantly forgettable – A take the points kind of game at Celtic Park

Celtic opened their Premiership title defence with a 1-0 win over a resolute St Mirren side at Celtic Park yesterday, in a game that offered more questions than answers about Brendan Rodgers’ squad depth and attacking fluency. The occasion was marked by club legend Paul McStay unfurling the league flag, setting the stage for a new campaign — one that began with a performance best described as solid, if unspectacular.

Celtic dominated proceedings without playing particularly well 

While the scoreline may suggest a tight contest, Celtic dominated proceedings and were unlucky not to be ahead earlier, having struck the woodwork three times and seen a goal rightly ruled out. It was substitute Luke McCowan who eventually broke the deadlock, his deflected strike sealing a deserved but hard-earned three points.

St Mirren’s pragmatic approach may not win over neutrals

Credit must go to Stephen Robinson and his St Mirren side. Despite a reshuffled squad, they retained the organisation and discipline that earned them a point at Celtic Park on the final day of last season. To have reached the top six for three successive campaigns — the only side outside of Celtic and theRangers to do so — is a testament to Robinson’s work, especially given the club’s limited resources.

While their pragmatic approach may not win over neutrals, it’s not St Mirren’s job to entertain Celtic fans. Their rigid defensive structure frustrated the champions for long spells and perhaps exposed Celtic’s limitations at this time in breaking down compact defences.

Celtic’s defence was strongest area of the team 

Rodgers’ side looked assured out of possession, with the back four — particularly Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers — handling St Mirren’s physical threat well. Both full-backs, Kieran Tierney and Alastair Johnston, put in commendable shifts, especially considering their ongoing fitness building.

In midfield, new signing Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate showed glimpses of their technical quality without fully imposing themselves on the game. Captain Callum McGregor offered a typically industrious performance, anchoring transitions and sweeping up counter-attacks.

He was unlucky to see his goal chalked off, but once again highlighted his importance as both protector and link to the attack.

However, Nygren’s heavy reliance on his strong foot made him predictable in possession, and the central midfield trio as a whole lacked dynamism. If Rodgers is to rely on creativity coming through the middle — especially in the absence of natural wide threats — he may need to rethink how best to unlock defences, because there were times during this game where it crossed the mind if Paul McStay still had a half hour in his legs, even at 60 years of age.

Celtic’s attacking frailties were clear

Up front, Celtic’s attacking frailties were clear. Daizen Maeda offered tireless running but little in the way of invention on the left. Yang, on the opposite flank, failed to assert himself and drifted in and out of the game. And while Adam Idah provides a physical presence, he is not the calibre of striker Celtic need to lead the line consistently.

The lack of cutting edge in wide areas and the absence of a reliable, clinical finisher remain glaring issues. Without smart movement and precision in tight spaces, Celtic’s attacking moves often fizzled out before turning into real chances.

Brendan Rodgers made some curious in-game decisions

Rodgers made some curious in-game decisions. With Tierney’s minutes being managed, his natural deputy Hayato Inamura failed to even make the match-day squad — a puzzling omission. The introduction of Johnny Kenny, whose technical limitations mirror Idah’s, over new signing Shin Yamada also raised eyebrows.

That said, the decision to bring on James Forrest proved inspired. The veteran winger injected urgency, drive, and creativity into Celtic’s attacking efforts. McCowan, too, brought quality and directness, ultimately finding the decisive goal his performance merited — even if it came via a deflection.

A clear indicator of where Celtic must strengthen

While a draw would have been harsh, a narrow win felt about right. The rustiness was expected after a lengthy off-season, but this match served as a clear indicator of where Celtic must strengthen.

Celtic lack quality in the wide areas and need a starting striker

The recruitment team and the board should not need reminding: Celtic lack quality in the wide areas and a starting striker capable of converting half-chances into goals. With tougher tests on the horizon — starting at Pittodrie against an Aberdeen side likely to mimic St Mirren’s approach — urgency in the transfer market is essential.

Rodgers has built a tactically sound, well-organised side. Now he needs the tools to turn control into conviction in the final third. Celtic may have got over the line on the opening day, and we saw this weekend winning your opening game isn’t for everyone, but title-winning campaigns are built on more than just grit — they require genuine firepower and creative depth. The board’s next move could define the direction of the start to this season.

Don’t miss Sandman’s first Definitive Ratings of the new season which are available now on The Celtic Star.

Niall J

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CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES BY DAVID POTTER, FOREWORD BY DANNY McGRAIN is published by Celtic Star Books on the fifth day of September. You can pre-order now to guarantee your copy which will be signed by Danny McGrain, with just a limited number of signed copies still available, although they are selling very quickly.

Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered and don’t worry, your copy will be signed by the legendary Celtic and Scotland star who captained Celtic for the early years of the 1980s.

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