Kyogo roars back to deadly Celtic best as Nicolas Kuhn explodes into life to fire champions top - 3 talkings points

Kyogo made a sizzling return to centre stage as he surged Celtic back to the top of the Premiership with a 3-1 win over St Johnstone.

The Japanese ace was restored to the starting line-up and responded with a dynamic show and his 16th goal of the season. Kyogo bagged the opener and created a second for Nicolas Kuhn as the champions moved one point clear at the summit. The Asian also had two efforts ruled out for offside and hit the crossbar before sub James Forrest’s sweeping finish sealed the deal. Brendan Rodgers’ side were impressive in attack and, with Cameron Carter-Vickers in the backline, untroubled by Saints who didn’t lay a glove on the hosts until the American left the pitch and sub Connor Smith struck a consolation for the Perth team.

Craig Levein’s men remain firmly in the relegation dogfight after their loss, but Celtic have eyes on the biggest prize. With Kyogo looking back in the mood, their chances will be massively increased. The striker was a total menace and justified Rodgers’ decision to put him back into the starting side at the expense of Adam Idah.

Celtic had chances before breaking through. Matt O’Riley’s corner and Carter-Vickers' shot brought a scramble in the box where there was a delay as VAR checked for a handball against Saints defender Luke Robinson. Kyogo also failed to take a one-on-one opportunity when springing clear of the away defence and Tomoki Iwata had a shot kicked off the line.

Kyogo was edging closer and he headed into the net only to have that effort from a Paulo Bernardo cross ruled out for offside. Keeper Dimitar Mitov produced an excellent save to deny Iwata, but Kyogo soon got his moment when Kuhn stepped inside and dinked a cross into danger.

Kyogo snuck behind Ryan