Match Centre

ST Johnstone's 4-3 victory was deserved on the balance of chances created (1.76 xG to Kilmarnock's 0.69), but the scoreline flattered both defences. The home side dominated possession (56%) and outshot Kilmarnock 15 to 7, yet owed two of their goals to Kilmarnock errors – an own goal from Schjonning-Larsen (69') and Fowler capitalising on a defensive lapse (80') for his goal and assist double.

Kilmarnock were twice bailed out by defensive gifts – Holt's own goal (53') cancelling out Diabate's strike (47') – and relied on individual moments like Hugill's unassisted finish (49'). Despite having just 44% possession, they matched ST Johnstone's five shots on target, with Kiltie's first-half equaliser (37') coming from one of their three corners. The game swung on ST Johnstone’s superior chance quality (10 shots inside the box to Kilmarnock's 6), with Gullan assisting twice (16', 47') to exploit Kilmarnock's high foul count (12).

The defining stat: Kilmarnock's -1.06 goals prevented metric, as both goalkeepers conceded more than expected, but Kilmarnock's defensive errors proved costlier.