Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers emerged from the dressing room earlier than usual at McDiarmid Park on Sunday.
His team were 1-0 down at the break, thanks to Daniels Balodis' fourth-minute header.
Despite some late pressure from the visitors, St Johnstone held on in the second 45 to secure their first victory over Celtic in nine years.
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At half-time, Rodgers made two alterations, with Yang Hyun-jun replacing Nicolas Kuhn and Greg Taylor coming on for Jeffrey Schlupp.
The Celtic boss was out on the touchline earlier than expected before play resumed for the second half:
Bad day at the office as a worryingly uninspired Celtic lacked creativity & urgency against a resolute St. Johnstone team. Wonder why Brendan Rodgers was on the touchline a few minutes before the 2nd half was due to start. Could he possibly have let rip in the dressing room? pic.twitter.com/T6G8dKwymx
— The Fast Lovin' Sin-Soaked Heathen (@fast_sin) April 6, 2025
Rodgers' changes didn't prove dividends as Celtic went on to lose their second match in three. They have now dropped 14 league points in 2025 alone in what has been an inconsistent few months.
Regardless, the Parkhead side could secure their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title this weekend if they beat Kilmarnock on Saturday and Rangers lose to Aberdeen on Sunday.
"Yes, we're 13 points clear, we've got six games to go, but there's still a lot of work to do," said Rodgers post-match against St Johnstone.
"My feeling is, and this is what I said before the game, top teams, they have talent, they have a system and they have a spirit and an ambition to win. The third one has been a wee bit ropey for us.
"We clearly have talent, we have a system and structure you see in the second half and other games where it works really well. But before any of that there has to be a desire and a mentality. A couple of times just a little bit timid and that's one of the big pitfalls to succeed for me."
