---
title: "Celtic: Hatate, Maeda and Juranovic star in Hoops victory"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-hatate-maeda-and-juranovic-star-in-hoops-victory/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Clubbe"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-04-10T08:41:45Z"
modified: "2022-04-10T08:41:48Z"
---

# Celtic: Hatate, Maeda and Juranovic star in Hoops victory

**Daizen Maeda, Matt O’Riley and Josip Juranovic were the three standout players as Celtic put seven past St Johnstone.**

The Hoops ran riot at Parkhead as Ange Postecoglou’s side seized an opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings to [nine points](https://www.skysports.com/scottish-premier-table) ahead of Rangers’ meeting with St. Mirren.

There was also a welcome boost to the goal difference column as the rampant Bhoys put seven past their visitors to improve their margin to plus 59, a huge 33 goals ahead of their Old Firm rivals.

[Key latest Celtic updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates/)

Reo Hatate opened the scoring early on before Georgios Giakoumakis doubled the lead shortly after. Celtic’s lead was 3-0 ahead of half-time when Maeda netted to put Postecoglou’s men in command. After the break came a Juranovic penalty followed by an O’Riley brace as Liel Abada completed the seven-goal rout on 78 minutes.

According to [*Sofascore*](https://www.sofascore.com/celtic-st-johnstone/YWscX), there were three Hoops who stood out on the day, and we’ve taken a deeper look through their numbers to get the lowdown on the star men.

### Maeda 8/10

Even aside from the goal and assist, this was the 26-year-old’s best display in a Celtic shirt to date as Maeda added [two key passes](https://www.sofascore.com/celtic-st-johnstone/YWscX), 41 touches, one interception and one tackle to a sublime all-round performance.

The Japanese ace’s endeavour, energy and quality when in possession all contributed towards what was a statement victory from the table-toppers.

\[freshpress-poll id=”387226″\]

### Juranovic 8.3/10

Juranovic was at his influential best from right-back as the Croatian provided one assist, 92/102 (90%) accurate passes and [119 touches](https://www.sofascore.com/celtic-st-johnstone/YWscX) in a stellar display from the 26-year-old.

Overall, the versatile defender completed two key passes and was accurate with 2/3 (66%) of crosses and 4/7 (57%) long balls on what was a perfect afternoon for the Celtic Park faithful.

### O’Riley 9/10

The standout performer for the Hoops, despite only coming on as a second-half substitute.

O’Riley enjoyed the freedom of Paraside as the Danish youth international scored twice to seal a stunning 45-minute cameo that included a pass accuracy of [31/35 (89%)](https://www.sofascore.com/celtic-st-johnstone/YWscX), 46 touches, one key pass and one interception.

It could’ve been even better for the 21-year-old as O’Riley squandered a big chance to complete a first hat-trick for the club.

***In other news, Ange Postecoglou hails club chief. Find out who it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-ange-postecoglou-full-of-praise-for-peter-lawwell/).***