St Johnstone’s Defensive Struggles: Goalkeeping Performance Examined

St Johnstone currently holds the record for the highest number of goals conceded in the Premiership this season. Unusually, two St Johnstone players, Nicky Clark and Benjamin Kimpioka, share the top position on the Premiership scoring chart. They are tied with Celtic captain Callum McGregor and Aberdeen striker Pape Habib Gueye, each having scored five goals. The combined 10 goals from the attacking pair, Clark and Kimpioka, account for over half of St Johnstone’s overall total of 16 goals. Saints have outscored five other teams and demonstrated an impressive 50% conversion rate from their 18 significant scoring opportunities, all while maintaining the fourth-highest average ball possession across the league. For many years, St Johnstone appeared to struggle with goal-scoring while maintaining a strong defensive foundation; however, this season has seen a reversal of that trend. The Perth-based team has allowed 27 goals in merely 13 matches, surpassing all other teams in the top flight. This figure significantly exceeds their expected goals (xG) against of 18.81, indicating that Saints have given up eight more goals than anticipated given the quality of scoring opportunities faced. This disparity can, at times, suggest issues with goalkeeping, as neither Ross Sinclair nor Josh Rae has firmly established themselves as the primary choice. Sinclair has participated in nine league fixtures, while Rae has appeared in five. Both goalkeepers’ save percentages fall below 60%. The squad is undoubtedly feeling the absence of Dimitar Mitov, who transferred to Aberdeen during the summer following an outstanding inaugural season in Scotland. Had a goalkeeper of his skill level remained, St Johnstone might be focused on upward progression instead of concerns about their league standing.