St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari had a challenging homecoming to Fir Park, where his former club, Motherwell, dealt his team a third consecutive Scottish Premiership loss.
Returning to the club where he spent four years as a player, Valakari saw his St Johnstone side go down 2-0 by halftime. Motherwell executed a swift, counter-attacking strategy that left St Johnstone struggling to keep up. Tawanda Maswanhise opened the scoring with a well-placed header from Marvin Kaleta’s cross, and Tom Sparrow followed up with a powerful low shot, firmly putting Motherwell in control.
St Johnstone found a lifeline just before the hour mark when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spotted a handball by Andy Halliday, blocking a shot from Graham Carey. Captain Nicky Clark converted the penalty, reviving St Johnstone’s hopes.
The match became frantic in the final 30 minutes, and St Johnstone nearly found an equalizer in the 91st minute when Jack Sanders steered Carey’s corner into the net. However, VAR intervened once more, ruling out the goal due to a handball.
Motherwell held on for the win, solidifying their position in fifth place with 19 points, level with Dundee United and Rangers. Meanwhile, St Johnstone dropped to 10th after their third league defeat in a row.
Motherwell’s Tactical Precision Exposes Saints’ Weaknesses
Motherwell’s first-half display proved decisive. Manager Stuart Kettlewell capitalized on St Johnstone’s open, expansive play, quickly turning turnovers into rapid counterattacks. Right-back Kaleta was especially effective down the flank, setting up Maswanhise’s opener, while Sparrow’s clinical finish highlighted Motherwell’s attacking sharpness. Kettlewell’s team is now well-positioned for a top-six finish, sitting seven points clear of seventh place.
St Johnstone’s Entertaining but Unbalanced Play Under Valakari
Valakari has instilled new energy and intent in St Johnstone, but his side’s open style has left them vulnerable defensively, conceding more goals than any other team in the Premiership. Despite a confident start with precise passing, they lacked the finishing edge in the box. Adjustments in the second half saw Valakari bring on defenders Lewis Neilson and Andre Raymond to solidify the backline, but the team struggled to find a balance between attack and defense.
Motherwell ultimately proved more clinical in both penalty areas, securing a deserved victory in this closely fought encounter.