It’s now 26 Premiership games unbeaten for the Hoops, as a narrow victory over St Johnstone saw them equal Lisbon Lion’s long-standing record while it also took them 22 points clear on top of the log after 21 league games in 2016-17.
It took 72 minutes for Celtic to finally break down the highly organized visitors, while poor finishing also let them down as they recorded their 20th league victory of the season. A Dedryk Boyata free header from a corner was all enough to seal victory after chances upon chances had been squandered or saved by Clark.
While the Bhoys dominated from start to finish, the visitors were almost the better team in the first half, as they came closest to scoring only for Swanson’s effort to hit the upright, and they remained too solid to break down. Dembele and Sinclair both had clear cut chances go begging, while the Belgian defender came close to scoring twice before finally breaking the deadlock.
Johnstone saw a penalty appeal turned down after Brown appeared to push Anderson over inside the box, and it definitely would have been frustrating for them not to have left Parkhead with a point after their doggedness and resilience.
It took a lot of work for Celtic to make history as they met a 50-year-old record, and here is how the players involved in the tough clash are rated:
Gordon
Was barely tested as the visitors managed just to hit the target once from 4 attempts.
He, however, looked calm and ready all game to help keep things in shape, as his save to deny Steven Anderson’s shot was crucial.
Rating: 7/10
Gamboa
Was impressive at the right back and didn’t give the visitors attack any chance whatsoever
Rating: 7/10
Šimunović
Had next to nothing to do at the back for a large chunk of the game but did make some vital challenges in breaking a counter and to win back possession.
Rating: 7/10
Boyata
Opened his account with a winning and historical goal which helped cap off a fine all-round performance both defensively and offensively.
Rating: 8/10
Tierney
The sought-after teenager continued his excellent form on the left of the defence, with his attacking runs down the flank helping to contribute to the team’s attack.
Rating: 7/10
Armstrong
Was a constant threat in the attacking third as he was a thorn in the flesh of the visitors’ defence
Rating: 7/10
Brown
Made his 400th appearance for Celtic in style as he took complete charge of proceedings in the middle of the park to lead his team to victory once again despite the toughness of the clash.
Rating: 8/10
Bitton
He distributed the ball well all around him and was a great defensive link in midfield, giving the wingers opportunities to link up with the attack while he covered.
Rating: 7/10
Forrest
Had moments when his quality was highlighted but he really didn’t make any impact nor produce anything noteworthy.
Rating: 6/10
Dembele
Off day for the French youngster who saw his finishing let him down times without number.
Not a display a scout would have been convinced of.
Rating: 5/10
Sinclair
Created chances upon chances as he made light work of the visitors’ defence, but his teammates denied him a couple of assists by failing to convert.
Rating: 8/10
SUBSTITUTES
Roberts
Came off the bench and almost got an assist with his abilities seeing him almost influence the game.
Rating: 7/10
Griffiths
Late Sub.
Rating: Not Available
Sviatchenko
Late Sub.
Rating: Not Available