Celtic’s afternoon in Perth unravelled into a bitter disappointment, as a sluggish start condemned them to a shock 1-0 loss against bottom-placed St Johnstone.
The champions saw much of the ball but couldn’t translate dominance into goals.
The damage was done early. Within minutes, Daizen Maeda’s pressing created a half-chance for Arne Engels, but the hosts struck first when Balodis headed in from close range after Graham Carey’s pinpoint cross.
Celtic threatened moments later—Maeda’s cut-back finding Nicolas Kühn—but the winger’s effort was cleared off the line. From then on, frustration grew.
Viljami Sinisalo, standing in for the injured Kasper Schmeichel, kept the scoreline alive with a superb stop from Duke McKenna.
Jota forced Andy Fisher into tipping a fierce drive over the bar, but clear-cut opportunities were scarce. At half-time, Rodgers replaced an ineffective Kühn with Yang Hyun-jun, also introducing Greg Taylor for Jeffrey Schlupp.
The second half carried more intent. Maeda rattled the post, Reo Hatate blazed over from close range, and a slick move involving captain Callum McGregor ended with Yang’s cross drifting beyond Jota.
James Forrest, a symbol of Celtic’s trophy-laden years, saw a late chance blocked by Fisher, and Adam Idah’s angled strike hit the side netting.
Rodgers didn’t hide his displeasure afterwards, questioning the team’s mindset and ambition.
The defeat doesn’t derail their title bid or treble hopes, but it delays the celebrations.
All eyes now turn to Kilmarnock at Celtic Park, where the Bhoys must rediscover their edge and remind everyone why they remain champions-in-waiting.