On a lacklustre night in Paisley, Celtic’s Captain Marvel makes his mark in what could prove a pivotal moment in this season’s title race…

Each game serves as a further reminder of the failings off the park.

The team, personnel and their performance is often the most illustrative example of the problems, though.

Consequence may be a more fitting term to use in this case.

Anyone who attributes poor performances or the stylistically stagnant football was solely down to Brendan Rodgers may wish to bury their head back in the sand.

There was, though, one moment of sheer quality in the match.

A moment that will be clipped and re-run in any end-of-season collage or goal of the season compilation released.

Upon his eventual retirement, the goal will also feature alongside the plethora of big goals scored by the Celtic captain.

The American sports term “Coming up clutch” is used to describe someone delivering under intense pressure, performing extremely well in the critical moment.

This sums up McGregor’s goal perfectly.

It arrived in the final seconds of the 94 minutes played.

It was and needed to be perfectly executed.

If any of the three touches were even slightly off, this game would have finished, as the draw it seemed destined to be from about 10 minutes in.

McGregor’s goal was exquisite.

The first touch – with the outside of his left foot – was delicate and allowed him to evade a challenge.

Like a matador, he had baited Donnelly, whose momentum was used against him, allowing McGregor to step around and inside of his opponent at the final second.

His next touch steered him and the ball into a niche of space in the most congested area of the park.

At this point, everyone in the Celtic end knew what his plan was.

The final touch was made to look the simplest.

With little back lift, he unleashed a thunderous drive from 25 yards, which flew off his laces and continued to rise.

It was only stopped by the net.

Game over.

Unique Angle | St Mirren 0-1 Celtic (22/11/25) – YouTube

This, in many ways, has become a trademark goal for McGregor, but the timing, necessity and perfection of this one made it seem almost comic book-like.

Captain Marvel stuff.

The usual plaudits will be dished out to St.Mirren, and they can feel as hard done by as they wish, but ultimately, they didn’t deserve much either.

The physicality of their team is something akin to that of a defensive line for an NFL team.

A few dangerous crosses and a shot off the post apart, they displayed next to no intent on playing football.

Standing up to this, up and at them type of football, is where we can at least draw some satisfaction.

This whole season has seen the team teetering on the edge of disaster.

Never too far from toppling over the edge, into an even steeper spiral.

To come away with a clean sheet and fourth straight domestic win is an upturn.

The defence, especially Trusty, looked more competent and ultimately defended well during this game.The right-hand side.

Ralston and Maeda is an awkward watch on the right.

Stiff, lacking in imagination, and so second-guessed that they offer no initiative whatsoever.

That side of the team is almost completely redundant in terms of build–up and creativity, and puts far too much emphasis on others to provide an outlet.

Teams are wise to this and appropriate their attention accordingly.

A combination of Jota and Johnstone would be a massive upgrade on this pairing.

More athletic and technically proficient; their abilities are sorely missed.

Celtic’s Path Forward After the International Break – Read Celtic

The Gaffer

Further reports today suggest that Wilfred Nancy will be in position this time next week.

Meaning his first game in charge will be at home to Dundee on Wednesday 3rd of December.

The pursuit to appoint someone has, as usual, seen the club’s stewards act with the urgency of a watched kettle.

Hopefully, they can settle – or nod along to Desmond’s recommendation – on a candidate soon.

This weird transitional limbo can then be concluded, and we can get on with the next, more permanent transition soon.

Then, in January, we can transition the squad.

Until then, unfortunately, treading water is the best we can do.