Analysis The numbers behind the result
Celtic edge scrappy affair despite disjointed display
The result was fair on balance, with Celtic's 60% possession yielding 23 total shots (eight on target) compared to St Mirren's 19 (six on target). However, both sides were wasteful in front of goal, with the xG suggesting a closer contest than the 2-1 scoreline implied. St Mirren took an early lead through Nikolas Agrafiotis' 22nd-minute penalty, but Celtic responded with a scrappy equaliser via Liam Scales (51') and a decisive strike from Yang Hyun-Jun (68'), assisted by Camilo Duran.
Tactically, Celtic dominated the wide areas, winning 10 corners to St Mirren's six, but struggled to break down a resolute defence. St Mirren countered effectively, with eight shots inside the box to Celtic's 20, but lacked precision in the final third. Yang Hyun-Jun was the standout performer, netting the winner and posing a constant threat with his movement and creativity.
The key statistic was Celtic's superior shot quality: they registered 20 shots inside the box compared to St Mirren's eight, ultimately proving the difference in a hard-fought encounter.