St. Johnstone are having a mixed season so far in the Scottish Premiership with two wins, three draws and three losses. The Saints currently stand eighth in the league table with nine points from eight games, scoring six and conceding an equal amount in those games. Despite having lesser ball possession than their opponents in their previous four games they have managed to scrape out two victories. They are having trouble in finding the back of the net this season as indicated by their fewer goals. In the last game, the Saints won their first home game this season against Dundee. Chris Kane’s double and Michael O’Halloran two assists led the team to their victory.
It was a special occasion for veteran midfielder Liam Craig as he marked his 442nd appearance for the Saints.
Let’s look at some stats to understand the Saints’ current position in the Premiership and their strengths and weaknesses
The Saints scored three goals in the match, a brace from Chris Kane with Stevie May adding a third. They created an xG of 1.68 in the match, and took 11 shots on goal, hitting the target five times. The Saints have been unable to hold the ball from their opponents however they looked more balanced and composed in this game as they successfully dominated possession. Liam Craig successfully completed passes in the final third. The visitors fared better in terms of the majority of the attacking and defensive metrics but despite all that the home side held on to their lead and came out on top.
The Saints passing zones show that they completed most of their passes in the defensive third and the left and right side of midfield. Chris Kane and Stevie May were successful in completing a number of smart passes for their team. The home side delivered the majority of their successful crosses from the right-wing. O’Halloran was a major threat with his crosses, his first cross which was slotted into the back of the net by Kane helped to break the deadlock for his side.
The Saints currently stand at the eighth spot in terms of goals and goals per 90. They have scored a total of six goals from their last eight games, three of them being scored in their previous games against Dundee. Although their strikers Kane, May and O’Halloran have been in good form, they have only been successful in converting fewer goal scoring chances. With a huge difference between the current goal-scoring leaders Celtic, The Saints trio would be looking forward to resolve their goal scoring issues. If Chris Kane continues his fine form then the Saints have a lot to look forward to as the season progresses.
The Saints have been impressive in their aerial duels and aerial duels per 90 as indicated by the above visuals. They are placed first in the league table in terms of their aerial duels. St. Johnstone have been successful in stealing the ball from their opposition consistently this season.
St. Johnstone can improve in terms of finishing their chances if their forwards become more clinical in front of their opponent’s goal. St. Johnstone are set to host Livingston at home after the international break. The Saints can definitely improve their home record in their upcoming matches, having won just once this season.
