Giakoumakis late winner saves Celtic at St Johnstone

The much-changed Hoops look set to drop points for the second time in three league games when defender Alex Mitchell slotted in an equaliser for the hosts in the third minute of added time. But Giakoumakis turned home Alexandro Bernabei's cross with virtually the last kick of the game to open up a five-point lead at the top of the table over Rangers, who host St Mirren later on Saturday.

Celtic were beginning an extended spell without captain Callum McGregor after the midfielder suffered a knee injury in the midweek Champions League defeat by RB Leipzig. McGregor was suspended for the trip to Perth, but manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed ahead of kick-off that the Scotland international would be unlikely to return before the World Cup break.

Postecoglou made six changes in all from the team that started the 3-1 loss to Leipzig with one eye on a second crack at the Germans on home soil on Tuesday. Matt O'Riley's deflected shot from 22 yards hit the outside of the post but St Johnstone held out until the 42nd minute when Sead Haksabanovic's cross was turned into his own net by Andrew Considine at the near post.

Postecoglou's men were guilty of passing up a number of chances to kill the game off and had two goals from Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda ruled out for offside. The visitors were given a warning when Joe Hart was forced to turn Stevie May's shot onto the post.

Celtic were then punished for some very slack defending as Mitchell brought down Ali Crawford's free-kick and stroked home from six yards. But misfortune struck the Saints moments later as Drey Wright pulled up with cramp, allowing Bernabei to scamper clear down the left and his low cross was bundled in by Giakoumakis for his fourth goal of the season.

 

October 8, 2022