Celtic 3-1 St Johnstone

Gary Mackay-Steven opened his account for the season with a brace

Celtic moved six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership with an assured victory over St Johnstone.

The defending champions were efficient as they took control with first-half goals from Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong.

St Johnstone briefly rallied, and tied the game at 1-1 when Steven MacLean equalised.

But they had no answer to Celtic's growing authority and Mackay-Steven netted again after the break.

Leaders too strong for Saints

St Johnstone's resistance lasted only nine minutes, though they may consider that a feat given how ruthlessly Celtic dispatched Hamilton 8-1 in midweek with three early goals.

Few defences have found the means to curtail Leigh Griffiths this season and, after his effort was blocked, Mackay-Steven darted through to drive past Alan Mannus.

The visitors from Perth did not allow their sprightliness to be subdued by the circumstances and Michael O'Halloran's pace could not be contained.

He may yet complete a move to Rangers but he was focused in Glasgow and skipped past Kieran Tierney to cross for MacLean to finish from close range.

Frustration might have set in for the home side but Armstrong was brilliantly accurate and composed as he swept a first-time volley into the net from Mikael Lustig's cross.

Another goal after the break finally quelled St Johnstone's spirit. Johansen's pass might have been aimed at Griffiths, but the ball fell perfectly into Mackay-Steven's stride for him to finish with cool aplomb.

Youngsters on form

Ryan Christie made his Celtic debut in the second half

The display was sound from Celtic and scattered with the promise of their youthful attacking players.

Though over elaborate, Celtic dominated possession and Mackay-Steven, Griffiths and Callum McGregor all impressed in the final third, while debutant Ryan Christie replaced Armstrong late on.

The standout Celtic player was Tierney, though, who played with a depth of composure and awareness that sets him apart in defence and attack.

There were other half-chances, so that the scoreline might better have reflected Celtic's hold in the game, but also a clearance off his own goal-line from Johansen.

St Johnstone never lost heart, but the gap in quality could not be breached.