Rodgers' 'never so angry' before Celtic comeback win

Matt O'Riley's stunning finish capped a fine move and put Celtic ahead

Three goals in 26 second-half minutes ensured Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic fought back from a goal down at St Johnstone to extend their advantage to 11 points.

Celtic's slack play before the break encouraged St Johnstone, who took one of the few chances that fell their way when questionable goalkeeping from Joe Hart and weak defending allowed Diallang Jaiyesimi to force in after an almighty scramble.

But Hart redeemed himself by clawing out a close-range Jay Turner-Cooke header in stoppage time, which started an instant counter-attack that ended with James Forrest coolly dispatching a third for the visitors.

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The victory stretches Celtic's unbeaten league start to 15 games, while Craig Levein's men remain 11th, one point clear of bottom spot.

Brendan Rodgers expected a reaction from his players as their midweek European exit in Rome followed a home draw with Motherwell last weekend.

And it looked like the Celtic manager was going to get that as his side started brightly, with Kyogo Furuhashi blasting over before O'Riley failed to connect with a sliding effort at close range.

Sloppiness from the leaders fuelled the hosts with hope, though, and they had something to hold on to when on-loan Charlton man Jaiyesimi opened his St Johnstone account shortly after being denied from close range.

But, aside from that late Turner-Cooke header, Levein's side offered little in an attacking sense after the interval as the introductions of Mikey Johnston and Oh Hyeon-gyu helped Celtic avoid a scare and turn the game in their favour.

Player of the match - Callum McGregor (Celtic)

Second-half substitutes Johnston and Oh deserve mentions, as does O'Riley, but captain McGregor drove his side on to a crucial victory after scoring his first goal of the season

Mitov magnificent as Rodgers' stern words prompt response - analysis

Levein has to take credit for St Johnstone's first-half approach. His decision to start without a recognised striker would have prompted 4-6-0 jokes, but the game plan worked to a tee in the opening period.

Turner-Cooke's late header perhaps suggests that the home side should have given it more of a go after the break, but Levein can rest in the knowledge that he has a very, very good goalkeeper in Dimitar Mitov.

A fantastic first-half save from a bending David Turnbull shot was bettered by a phenomenal close-range block to deny Kyogo, who was offside anyway.

But, despite that stunning late stop in the opposite goal, questions will continue to be asked about Hart as Celtic's man between the sticks again looked far from convincing for St Johnstone's opener.

In fairness, the former England keeper was one of many performing below par for Celtic in the first half, but Rodgers' stern half-time words prompted a reaction from his key men.

The comeback win means Celtic remain unbeaten in their first 15 league matches for the first time since 2017-18 - also under Rodgers, whose side went on to win the Premiership by nine points that season.

What's next?

Both sides return to league action on Wednesday (19:45 GMT) as St Johnstone host St Mirren, while Celtic welcome Hibernian.