St Mirren suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Celtic in a Premiership match that showcased the Paisley side's improved approach under manager Craig McLeish. According to a match report in The Scotsman, the Buddies took a first-half lead through a Nikolas Agrafiotis penalty but were pegged back by goals from Liam Scales and Hyunjun Yang.
How did St Mirren perform against the champions?
St Mirren delivered one of their most proactive performances of the season so far. The team created 19 shots against the league leaders, a significant increase in attacking output compared to previous campaigns. Only poor finishing, with just the penalty converted, prevented them from taking something from the game. McLeish's side also had a strong spell late in the contest where they pressured Celtic's defence but could not find an equaliser.
What is Craig McLeish's new tactical style?
The club has moved away from the direct style favoured by former manager Stephen Robinson. McLeish, appointed permanently this summer, is implementing a patient, progressive passing game as part of a behind-the-scenes revolution focused on younger recruitment. This shift in philosophy was evident in the build-up play against Celtic, even if some slack passing in midfield proved costly. The long-term project aims to make the squad more dynamic and sustainable.
Where does this leave St Mirren in the table?
The defeat leaves St Mirren in the middle of the Premiership pack as the season's early stages unfold. The team's upcoming fixtures include a quick return to Ibrox to face Rangers, which will provide another stern test of their progress. A top-six finish remains a realistic target if they can maintain their performance levels and improve their conversion rate in front of goal. The current standings show a tightly contested league beyond the top two.
Who stood out for St Mirren in the match?
While the result was disappointing, several players demonstrated the qualities required for McLeish's system. The team defended resolutely for large periods against a Celtic attack featuring dangerous wingers. The full squad list shows a blend of experience and youth, with the new recruitment setup aiming to add further depth. The performance proved that St Mirren can compete with the best in the division when executing their game plan.
St Mirren's next match is away to Rangers on Wednesday evening, a fixture that completes a daunting opening run of games against the Old Firm. You can view the team's injury status and availability on our dedicated injuries page.
