Arthur's Column // 14th September 2023

I hope Michael Beale and his players are still hurting from the defeat to Celtic. They should all be desperate to get out onto the pitch on Saturday to take care of St Johnstone. And do it in an emphatic style.

Sure, what happens at the weekend can't erase the 1-0 loss we suffered to our biggest rivals, but we need to start winning games on a regular basis. What has happened this season, so far, hasn't been acceptable. Michael and the players will be aware of this.

They know they need to all improve and do so much better.

Defeats to Celtic have been happening far too often in the past year and a way must be found to stop this poor run. If we can't find a way to beat Celtic then we are all aware of the inevitable outcome. People will lose their jobs.

The fans demand that we get on track to lift the League title and they are perfectly entitled to feel that way. However, let's have a period of calm and stick together. Let's all push in the one direction at the same time. That is always helpful.

That said, there still needs to be success. And quickly.

There is pressure on Michael and he knows what the demands of this job are. The new players also need to get up to speed as quickly as possible. There is no time to settle in and find their feet.

There is no hiding place and nor should there be. The ones who are up for it will thrive. Others will disappear because they can't cope with the pressure.

Important games are coming thick and fast. We have the Europa League to contend with and also progress in the League Cup. I think the European section is a favourable one and we have an excellent chance of progressing.

But the domestic game is always what matters most and we need to be better. That's why it's vital to win in Perth on Saturday.

We need to put a solid run together over the next two or three months that puts us in a position to overtake Celtic when they drop points.