Fans seemed to be in agreement despite St Johnstone’s defeat at the hands of Hearts the previous Saturday.
Up until the last third of the pitch, Saints were calm and steady when they had the ball and played some excellent plays.
The only significant shortcomings during the 90 minutes were a lack of shots on goal and a lack of chances created, which indicates that the team is improving under new manager Craig Levein.
It has been a while since Saints were difficult to beat, but the former Scotland manager has restored that.
There’s a genuine steeliness about the team again with Dimitar Mitov behind Liam Gordon, Andy Considine, and Ryan McGowan, who have all stepped up in recent weeks. This is certainly something that has been missing since the double-winning season.
I also want to bring up Luke Robinson once more. The Wigan loanee was man-of-the-match against Hearts, and it’s possible that he looked just as excellent at center back as he did when he was playing on the left side before to Considine’s injury forcing him off. It was a fantastic performance, and maybe he can keep improving on it.
I urged the team last week to make every effort to sign Robinson on a long-term basis, and I’ll again that request this week. If he commits to the team permanently, Robinson might have a bright career in Scotland.
Without going too far, the 22-year-old has a slight Kieran Tierney-likeness about him. In terms of his aggression, mobility throughout the field, and ball handling skills, he is comparable to the Scotland international. His adaptability on defense is another really good quality.
Adam Montgomery served Saints well during his tenure there the previous season, but I believe Robinson might be a step above and I hope he keeps getting better in Perth as more games are played.
Although I think manager Levein should be commended for his immediate impact in the Fair City, I thought the club was let down by his substitution strategy last weekend. Around the hour mark at Tynecastle, it was clear from the stands that Saints needed an infusion from the bench, but Luke Jephcott and Diallang Jaiyesimi were only brought on with less than ten minutes remaining.
By then, the game was already too late, and there was no attempt to try and push players forward into the last third of the pitch by changing their shape. It was unfortunate because Hearts were easily won, but I can also see that, particularly at this early stage in Levein’s Saints managerial career, there is a trust aspect with those players on the field.
Regarding injuries, there was good news this week as Nicky Clark was able to resume playing on the grass after suffering a calf injury against Ross County. Levein will benefit greatly from it, particularly considering that his preliminary diagnostics indicate he may miss nine games.
Sam McClelland, a defender, has resumed light training, which will expand our defensive options following Considine’s terrible ankle knock against Hearts.
Next up is Celtic, and the team should be confident going into this match, especially after our performance at Celtic Park earlier in the campaign.
The team has come a long way since then, and with Celtic coming off of two disappointing performances, Brendan Rodgers’ team shouldn’t be feared.
Like every game against the Old Firm, Saints must be fearless, play excellent defense, manage the ball well while in control, and seize the crucial opportunity when it presents itself.
When you phrase it like that, doesn’t it sound simple? Getting anything out of the match will be a tall order, but let’s hope that when the final whistle blows on Sunday, we are once more filled with optimism.
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