St Johnstone slumped to their third successive home defeat in the space of eight days as Celtic narrowed the gap on league leaders Rangers to just four points.
Saints went toe to toe with Celtic in the first half but after the interval, the Hoops netted twice in the space of four minutes through the predatory Gary Hooper and Ki Sung Yeung to make it a magnificent seven league victories in a row on Sunday.
But the second goal was highly controversial from a Perth point of view with Celtic counter-attacking after Beram Kyal, who had already been booked by referee Euan Norris, had rushed out for a second time to block a Liam Craig free-kick, which angered Saints boss Steve Lomas.
He said: ”The first goal was crucial and then they hit us on the break for the second. The guy looked like he was just four yards away when the free-kick was taken.
”But we went to sleep and they hit us on the counter which killed us really.
”The guy had already been booked and I don’t want to see boys sent off but rules are rules.
”The ref had to make a big decision but maybe you don’t get them against Celtic.”
Craig was equally surprised that Kyal had escaped without censure for his block.
He said: ”I agree with the manager and it was a turning point in the game.
”If the ref hasn’t seen it then fair enough but that is two sloppy goals we have lost today.”
The victory was sweet revenge for the Hoops after Saints had beaten them at Parkhead earlier in the season, and boss Neil Lennon said: ”I thought we played very well. They were two great goals from a manager’s point of view. One from a set piece and then a brilliant team goal at the second which really thrilled me.”ChangesLomas made two changes from the side which disappointed against Aberdeen in midweek with Kevin Moon and David Robertson coming in for flu hit Callum Davidson and Sam Parkin.
Lennon stuck by the same XI who drew at Udinese in the Europa League on Thursday.
There was little between the two sides in the opening exchanges and it wasn’t until the 13th minute that either keeper was called into action when Peter Enckelman dived to his right to parry a Georgio Samaras shot from 18 yards.
The home fans were incensed shortly before the half-hour mark when Daniel Majstorovic won a header but in doing so clattered into the back of Robertson.
Both players lay stricken and needed treatment but amazingly considering the height and weight difference between the Celtic defender and the Saints midfielder, it was Majstorovic who needed to be replaced straight away by Thomas Rogne with initial fears that the Swede had fractured a cheekbone and eye socket.
Seconds later, Hooper was played in by Cha Du Ri and it looked certain he would score from point-blank range but Enckelman produced an outstanding instinctive one-handed stop.
Robertson, who had looked groggy after coming back on, finally had to admit defeat and was replaced by Carl Finnigan.
Just two minutes after the restart, St Johnstone registered their first shot on target when skipper Dave Mackay cut in from the right and hit a drive from the edge of the Celtic penalty area with Fraser Forster diving to stop the ball sneaking in at his near post.
However, Saints were soon pinned back with Celtic mounting sustained pressure and they almost won their reward in the 57th minute.
Cha raided down the right and sent a pinpoint cross into the box but once again Hooper was denied at point-blank range by Enckelman.UnstoppableThree minutes later though the big Finnish stopper was helpless to prevent Celtic taking the lead.
A Charlie Mulgrew corner from the Celtic right caused havoc in the Saints’ defence with the ball bobbling about before it was stabbed home by Hooper to give the Glasgow side the lead.
Saints looked to hit back and in the 64rd minute were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Celtic area.
Kyal was booked for encroaching and seemed to do the same to block when the kick was retaken by Craig but referee Norris allowed play to continue.
Celtic embarked on a lightning break with James Forrest rampaging down the right before playing a one-two with Samaras then squaring the ball to Ki who cracked the ball home past Enckelman from six yards out.
Saints were on the ropes but had a great chance to pull one back in the 67th minute when Marcus Haber pounced after Victor Wanyama slipped and powered in on goal but Forster comfortably saved his shot.
St Johnstone never gave up trying but Celtic were content to see out the game and increase the pressure on their Old Firm rivals.