McCann and his assistant Billy Dodds earned praise last season for rescuing a struggling Kilmarnock and keeping them up. On this evidence, they’re staring at another tough challenge.
Goals weren’t the problem last year—they were the highest scorers in the bottom half—but their defence was fragile, with only Livingston conceding more. Those weaknesses resurfaced in Perth.
They did well to come from behind and take the lead, but St Johnstone produced just 1.76 xG and still scored four. It wasn’t ruthless finishing either, with 15 shots taken. The goals Kilmarnock gave up were soft, especially Cheick Diabate’s second from a corner.
For neutrals, it was a thriller. Preston told Sportsound it was breathtaking and said that if the rest of the season tops this, it’ll be quite a campaign. He felt Kilmarnock were never in the first half and were fortunate to be level at the break, before somehow going ahead. He credited Simo Valakari for throwing on every forward available, and said the hosts ground it out; a 4-3 scoreline flattered Kilmarnock, who played poorly.
While some managers try to gloss over such defeats, McCann didn’t. He said there was nothing entertaining about it, they got exactly what they deserved—nothing—and that the team let themselves, the club, and the fans down.