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St Mirren\u2019s run of three consecutive wins met St Johnstone\u2019s run of three consecutive losses on Saturday. Mix that in with a bit of general bad Perth vibes and Callum Davidson\u2019s side\u2019s 3-0 win was a result that was met with a widespread \u201caye that sounds about right<\/em>\u201d.<\/p> <\/p> While the game was considerably closer than the scoreline suggests (St Johnstone had an xG of 1.64 to St Mirren\u2019s 1.03), it was a disappointing day for the Paisley Saints characterised by individual errors, a midfield failing to impose itself on the game and a lack of creativity in the final third. Stephen Robinson\u2019s men were left rueing a collective off-day.<\/p> <\/p> Although it wasn\u2019t a vintage performance by the Perth Saints either, they exhibited much more of an attacking plan than in recent weeks and were clinical in front of goal (their two goals coming from 3 shots on target from open play).<\/p> <\/p> St Johnstone were also solid in defence, with Millwall loanee Alex Mitchell, in particular, impressing in nullifying St Mirren\u2019s attack.<\/p> <\/p> Where the game was won, however, was the wing back areas.<\/p> <\/p> One threat that St Johnstone had clearly identified going into Saturday\u2019s game was that of Ryan Strain. The Aussie wing back has been one of the major catalysts for St Mirren\u2019s recent form; his creativity and endeavour down St Mirren\u2019s right winning him his fair share of admirers already.<\/p> <\/p> To counter this, Davidson dropped his wing-backs deep, with Adam Montgomery (St Johnstone\u2019s #19 in the below graphic) essentially occupying the same space as Strain (St Mirren\u2019s #23)<\/p> <\/p> Whether aided by left central midfielder Graham Carey or striker Stevie May, Montgomery was able to ensure that there was a constant double coverage on Strain.<\/p> <\/p> In the above example, Strain intercepts the ball inside St Mirren\u2019s half and looks to burst down the wing. After being shown inside by a lack of wide routes, Strain is tag-teamed by Montgomery and Carey, the latter flooring the oncoming defender with a robust challenge.<\/p> <\/p> A trademark of St Mirren\u2019s play in recent weeks has the link up of the central midfielder Mark O\u2019Hara and the wide men. In the example above, O\u2019Hara picks up the ball inside the final third and plays a pass out wide to Strain (fig. 1). Where this link up has bore fruit previously, Strain barely has time to set himself before he has Montgomery and May in his face, blocking off his desired path. Forced inside, Strain attempts a pass which is cut out by the St Johnstone back line and the move breaks down.<\/p> <\/p> On the rare occasions Strain was given the opportunity to run, he was met with a similar lack of luck.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Picking up the ball in an advanced position, he looks to hit the by-line only to be met by Montgomery, who snuffs out the danger well.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Our lack of penetration in the wide areas was a feature all game, leading to Strain and left-sided counterpart Richard Tait being hooked on the hour mark, replaced by Jay Henderson and Scott Tanser respectively. Neither subs were able to influence the game the way they\u2019d like, however, completing just 2\/8 (25%) of their crosses each. Henderson in particular had a tough time in the unfamiliar wing-back role and found himself caught out in the build up to St Johnstone\u2019s second goal.<\/p> <\/p>![\"na7p259u7cvgor63jhdnqvbvmasoopyh9jq7krh1h9xa9oo6.png\"](\"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/na7p259u7cvgor63jhdnqvbvmasoopyh9jq7krh1h9xa9oo6.png\")
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