Celtic vs St Johnstone: Scottish Premiership report, reaction & stats

Bottom side St Johnstone drop further behind those above, and are now without a win in their past five matches.

It was one-way almost throughout, with Simo Valakari’s visitors initially offering stiff resistance with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kyogo and Arne Engels all going close.

The opener arrived from a familiar source. Nicolas Kuhn gathered from Reo Hatate then cut inside and, with the goal gaping, he made no mistake.

The German’s return of decisive moments in front of goal has been outstanding this season.

Moments later, Kuhn brought out a wonderful save from Josh Rae as his curling effort sailed towards the top far corner.

St Johnstone made changes at the break and got a response but nothing that would ultimately impact the result. They were pinned back ruthlessly.

Kuhn came close again before Kyogo benefitted from a well-worked corner to nod home from a yard after Rae parried Paulo Bernardo’s flick towards goal.

That was Celtic’s 50th of the league campaign in just 18 games.

Another arrived for the Japanese striker thanks to a beautifully whipped low cross from Engels that left Rae completely exposed as St Johnstone’s fight evaporated.

At that stage they were fighting to keep the score down but substitute Maeda came on and finished after a piercing Bernardo through ball.

Ruthless, once again, from the champions.