St Johnstone have won after conceding the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 26 October 2024 against Dundee (eight games without a win). Motherwell have lost after scoring the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 25 February 2024 against Celtic (13 games without defeat).

Motherwell lost to Premiership basement side St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, seven days after being knocked out of the Scottish Cup by the same opponents, at the same venue. Andy Halliday's early penalty looked like earning Motherwell all three points, until two corners cost them dearly as Taylor Steven and Bozo Mikulic netted.

Simo Valakari is hoping the paperwork for Jonathan Svedberg's move to St Johnstone squad is completed in time for the Swedish midfielder to play. Defender Daniels Balodis - having left Latvian side FK RFS - will have to wait for his move to be sealed.

In one instance in the first half, Tawanda Maswanhise had the chance for a rad drive at goal, but instead slowed his run right down as if he was killing time and taking the ball to the corner. That was just one example of what Stuart Kettlewell alluded to in his post-match interview - his players dropping off.