St Johnstone Remains Strong Contender in Scottish Championship
St Johnstone supporters may feel frustrated after Saturday's goalless draw against Ross County, yet Simo Valakari's squad continues to be the team to beat in the Scottish Championship.
After 10 matches, the team that finished at the bottom of the top flight last season has secured 24 points from a possible 30, placing them six points ahead of Partick Thistle in second place, although the Glasgow side has a game in hand.
St Johnstone remains unbeaten in league play this season, and while Valakari is cautious not to get ahead of himself, fans can take comfort in knowing their position is stronger than that of last year's champions, Falkirk, at this stage of the season.
With 10 games completed, St Johnstone is averaging 2.4 points per game, slightly higher than Falkirk's average of 2.3 points per game last autumn.
In fact, Valakari's team is performing better than three of the last five Championship winners after the same number of matches and matches the points-per-game average of the other two—Hearts and Dundee United.
While none of those teams sustained the same pace throughout the season, Falkirk's average of 2.02 last year serves as a benchmark for what will be required this time around.
Since the Championship's inception in 2009/10, only four seasons have seen the title winners finish with a points-per-game average of less than two: Ross County in 2018/19, Hibernian in 2016/17, Dundee in 2013/14, and Dunfermline in 2010/11.
Thus, St Johnstone finds itself in a promising position, although challenges are expected as the season progresses.
After Partick Thistle's impressive recovery to earn a point against Morton and Arbroath's surprising 4-1 victory over Queen's Park, St Johnstone must remain vigilant.
On Sportsound, former McDiarmid Park striker Billy Dodds commented on the likelihood of St Johnstone winning the title, stating, "Based on today's performance, I would say so. They look like a solid team, although they may lack some height, particularly during set pieces. Their style of play is impressive; it's not just about quick passing, they are very dynamic."
However, Dodds believes it will be up to other Championship teams to capitalize on any mistakes made by the current leaders if they hope to claim the title. "I don't see them losing enough games for anyone to catch up with them," he added. "But teams need to stay competitive and apply pressure."