Celtic maintain perfect start after comeback win over St Mirren

Celtic came from behind to beat St Mirren 2-1 and preserve their perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season, with Haissem Hassan making his third consecutive start since joining the club from Spanish side Real Oviedo.

The result leaves Celtic top of the table with 15 points from five matches. St Mirren remain second on 10 points despite taking an early lead in an entertaining contest.

Liam Scales and Yang Hyun-jun scored for Celtic, while Nicholas Agrafiotis converted from the penalty spot for the home side.

Hassan, the Egypt international, played 72 minutes. It was the third successive match in which he has been named in Celtic’s starting line-up since completing his move from Real Oviedo.

Celtic recover after early setback

St Mirren opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Agrafiotis successfully struck from the penalty spot, giving the hosts the advantage.

Celtic thought they had levelled eight minutes later when Camilo Duran found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The visitors continued to press and eventually secured an equaliser shortly after half-time. Scales rose to meet a precisely delivered cross from Benjamin Nygren and headed the ball beyond the goalkeeper in the 51st minute.

Celtic then completed the turnaround 17 minutes later. Yang Hyun-jun finished a swift counter-attack after breaking clear of the St Mirren defence and rounding off the move by placing his shot into the net.

There was late drama when Celtic appeared to add a third goal through Shumera Mheuka. However, the effort was cancelled following an intervention by the video assistant referee, leaving the score at 2-1.

The victory was Celtic’s fifth in the Scottish Premiership this season, ensuring they retain their 100% record and remain at the summit.

St Mirren were unable to turn their strong start into a result and now sit five points behind Celtic in second place. Despite the defeat, their total of 10 points keeps them among the leading sides after the opening five rounds.

Celtic will look to extend their winning run when they face St Johnstone in the sixth round of the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday.

St Mirren also return to action on Wednesday, when they meet Rangers in the same round of fixtures.