Celtic remain unbeaten and sit clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at St Mirren.
Yet manager Martin O’Neill refused to sugar-coat the performance following the chaotic comeback at the SMISA Stadium on Saturday evening.
The 74-year-old delivered a frank assessment that will resonate with supporters who watched their side struggle for fluency against a vibrant home team.
A Difficult Night in Paisley
St Mirren took the lead midway through the first half through a Nikolas Agrafiotis penalty.
The spot-kick was awarded after Liam Scales handled a fierce volley from Chris Mochrie inside the box.
Referee Ryan Lee pointed to the spot following a VAR check, and Agrafiotis converted calmly to put the hosts ahead.
At that stage St Mirren looked capable of climbing to the summit of the table.
Celtic Forced to Dig Deep
O’Neill’s side trailed at the interval and faced a St Mirren team full of energy and invention.
The home side registered a high number of shots and caused Celtic repeated problems with their tempo and pressing.
Celtic lacked the sharp, fluid football that had characterised much of their perfect start to the season.
O’Neill later admitted as much in his post-match comments.
The Second-Half Turnaround
The response after the break was immediate and decisive.
Six minutes into the second half Liam Scales atoned for his earlier error.
The Irish defender rose highest to head home Benjamin Nygren’s corner and level the score at 1-1.
It was a moment of personal redemption for the centre-back.
Yang Hyun-jun Delivers the Winner
The decisive goal arrived on 68 minutes.
Camilo Duran won the ball high up the pitch with aggressive pressing.
He then slipped a precise through ball into the path of Yang Hyun-jun.
The South Korean winger finished coolly under the goalkeeper to complete the comeback.
Celtic had dug themselves out of a difficult situation against a side in excellent early-season form.
O’Neill’s Honest Assessment
Speaking afterwards, O’Neill was typically direct.
“We dug it out,” he said.
He added that his team were “not up to speed” and that new players still need further work to integrate fully.
The manager also noted the absence of the fluency Celtic had shown in previous matches this season.
St Mirren, he acknowledged, had played “splendidly” and caused “loads and loads of problems.”
Praise Mixed with Caution
While delighted with the three points, O’Neill refused to get carried away.
He recognised that Celtic created chances and looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
Yet the overall performance fell short of the standards the champions have set themselves.
This blend of honesty and realism has become a hallmark of his leadership.
League Context and Perfect Start
The result extended Celtic’s 100 per cent record to five league wins from five.
They now sit on 15 points and five clear of both St Mirren and Rangers.
St Mirren suffered their first Premiership defeat of the campaign but remain firmly in the top three.
Craig McLeish’s side have impressed with their organised, high-tempo approach.
This was always going to be one of the sterner early tests for the champions.
Tactical Battle
St Mirren’s willingness to press high and commit numbers forward forced Celtic into uncomfortable situations.
The visitors controlled more of the ball but struggled to find their usual rhythm in the final third.
Celtic’s threat came primarily on the break, where Duran’s energy and Yang’s pace proved decisive.
Scales’ aerial ability from set-pieces also provided a vital route back into the contest.
Impact of Key Individuals
Liam Scales produced a classic defender’s response after the penalty concession.
His equalising header stabilised Celtic and shifted the momentum.
Yang Hyun-jun continues his strong start to the season with another important contribution.
O’Neill later confirmed the winger will now depart for international duty with South Korea.
The manager described Yang’s absence as a “major blow” given his form and defensive work rate.
Squad Depth Under Scrutiny
O’Neill’s comments about new players needing time will not surprise many observers.
Integrating fresh faces while maintaining consistency remains an ongoing process.
The perfect league start has papered over occasional moments of uncertainty.
Nights like this in Paisley highlight areas that still require sharpening.
Fan Reaction and Wider Perspective
Celtic supporters will celebrate another three points on the road.
Many will also share their manager’s measured view of the display.
Online discussion mixed relief at the comeback with calls for greater control and fluency.
St Mirren fans can take pride in a competitive showing that pushed the champions all the way.
Their side remains a difficult proposition for any opponent this season.
Looking Ahead
Celtic’s next challenge comes quickly as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast.
Maintaining the winning run while addressing the issues O’Neill identified will be the focus.
The manager has shown throughout his career that he prioritises substance over spin.
His latest reality check is unlikely to be his last.
What This Result Really Means
A chaotic comeback victory keeps Celtic firmly in the driving seat at the top of the table.
Yet the performance itself served as a timely reminder that standards can slip even in winning matches.
O’Neill’s willingness to highlight shortcomings publicly sets a clear tone for the dressing room.
Players will understand that three points alone will not always satisfy their demanding manager.
St Mirren proved they belong among the early pacesetters and will take confidence from large parts of their display.
For Celtic the message is straightforward: dig in when required, but raise the overall level of performance.
The champions remain in a strong position after five games.
How they respond to O’Neill’s honest appraisal will shape the weeks ahead.
In the end, Celtic found a way to win on a difficult night in Paisley.
Their manager made sure nobody left thinking the job was already done.