Premiership’s Opening Weekend: A Reality Check for Kilmarnock and St Johnstone

The opening weekend of the Premiership season left everyone talking, but not necessarily about the quality of football on display. The 4-3 thriller between Kilmarnock and St Johnstone was a game that defied logic at times, with both teams creating more chaos than cohesion.

Simo Valakari’s St Johnstone are a force to be reckoned with this season. Their Championship-winning formula has been tweaked, but the result remains the same: relentless energy and a never-say-die attitude that led them to score 14 goals more than any other team in the league last year. This was evident in their opening match, where they poured forward from the start, creating an avalanche of chances.

Kilmarnock’s performance was underwhelming, given their dismal League Cup group stage. Neil McCann’s men were expected to struggle, but few predicted such a one-sided display. It’s clear that Valakari’s team is more streetwise and solid this season, and their counter-attacking prowess caught Kilmarnock off guard.

The game will be remembered for the fireworks on the pitch, as well as the stark contrast in the managers’ post-match reactions. McCann was blunt in his assessment, stating that Kilmarnock “got exactly what they deserved” from the game – nothing. Valakari, on the other hand, remains optimistic, emphasizing that his team is not getting carried away with their opening result.

Premiership’s New Guard

The Premiership has undergone significant changes this season, with several teams making bold signings and shifting tactics. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the dominance of Scottish football’s top tier. The game between St Johnstone and Kilmarnock showcased the best and worst of the league – speed, skill, and ruthlessness on display, but also some alarming defensive vulnerabilities.

This season promises to be one of transition for several Premiership teams, with new managers and tactics trying to find their footing. Hearts and Dundee United are looking to make a strong push for European qualification, while Celtic and Rangers aim to continue their stranglehold on the title.

A Different Breed

Valakari’s St Johnstone has been dubbed a “naive, romantic team” by some pundits, but their 4-3 win over Kilmarnock suggests that they’ve learned to adapt. They’re no longer just a Championship-winning side; they’re a Premiership force to be reckoned with.

The teams that finished below them in the Championship will face an uphill battle to replicate St Johnstone’s success. Partick Thistle and Arbroath, in particular, will struggle to adjust to the step up, but there’s always hope for redemption.

The Opening Weekend’s Impact

The opening weekend has sent shockwaves throughout the Premiership. For Kilmarnock, this result is a reality check – they’ve been given a taste of what’s to come in the top tier. They’ll need to regroup and refocus if they hope to stay ahead of their Premiership rivals.

St Johnstone, on the other hand, has sent out a clear message: they’re here to stay. Their fearless approach and clinical finishing have set them up for success this season.

The opening weekend has whet our appetites for what promises to be an exciting season. With so many storylines already unfolding, it’s impossible to predict who’ll emerge on top. The Premiership will continue to throw up surprises, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

As McCann said after the game, “We got exactly what we deserved from the game – nothing.” But for fans of Scottish football, this season has already delivered something far more valuable: excitement, drama, and a renewed sense of hope.