A Game of Two Halves: Possession vs. Penetration

Celtic dominated the ball throughout the contest. In fact, they held an incredible 72.8% of the possession. Yet, for all their control, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-drilled St Mirren defence. The match was a cagey affair, with neither side registering a shot on target until late in the second half. This tactical battle highlighted a recurring theme: possession does not always equal points.

The visitors had moments where they almost broke through.

• Sebastian Tounekti sent a powerful shot just inches over the crossbar.
• Daizen Maeda came agonisingly close with a diving header that narrowly missed the post.

Despite these flashes, Celtic often looked toothless in attack. The resilient home side effectively stifled their creativity, turning the game into a war of attrition. Consequently, the mounting pressure was felt both on the pitch and in the stands.

Heartbreak for the Buddies

St Mirren will feel incredibly unlucky to come away with nothing. They executed their game plan almost to perfection, frustrating the champions and creating better chances for long periods. The home side was a constant threat on the counter-attack, with Conor McMenamin proving to be a particular handful for the Celtic backline. He came closest in the first half, rattling the post with a superb strike from 20 yards out.

The VAR Controversy

The defining moment for St Mirren came in the 69th minute. They thought they had taken a deserved lead when Celtic’s Liam Scales turned the ball into his own net. The home fans erupted, but their joy was short-lived. A VAR check concluded that McMenamin, who was in an offside position, had interfered with play. The goal was chalked off, a decision that left the St Mirren camp devastated. Adding to their misery, this was the fifth time in their last four home league matches that they had lost points right at the death.

More Than a Game: Unrest in the Stands

While the players battled on the pitch, a separate story was unfolding in the away end. Many Celtic supporters used the match to voice their discontent with the club’s board. Chants of “Sack the Board” were audible throughout the game, and fans held up red cards as the team took to the field. This protest highlighted a deep-seated frustration among a section of the fanbase. However, the raw emotion of McGregor’s last-second winner provided a moment of unified, ecstatic relief, leading to a pitch invasion from some celebrating fans. Interim manager Martin O’Neill acknowledged the goal was a “wonder strike,” a sentiment shared across the club.

Conclusion: A Captain’s Crucial Contribution

In the end, the match was settled by a single, extraordinary strike from a player who consistently steps up when it matters most. Callum McGregor’s goal was a moment of pure quality in a game that was otherwise a gritty, tactical battle. While Celtic took all three points, the performance raised more questions than answers. For St Mirren, it was a cruel and gut-wrenching end to a disciplined and spirited display. One thing is certain: this was a match that delivered unforgettable late drama for everyone watching.