Kilmarnock travelled to Celtic Park as the league leaders but the reigning champions Celtic oozed class and showed the world who is the real boss as they blew them away 5-1 after a scintillating display in the first half.
From the starting whistle, it seemed like Celtic meant business and one could understand their disappointment after the draw in the last game. They played with intent and desire and reaped the rewards. James Forrest opened the score with a brilliant first-time volley. After that, it was just a procession and waves of attacks hit Kilmarnock’s defence. Every time Celtic had the ball in dangerous areas, they looked like scoring and Odsonne Edouard, Mikael Lustig and ‘the man who can’t do anything wrong’ Ryan Christie got on the scoresheet in the first half.
Celtic kept on the intensity even in the second half, but it was the away side who scored a consolation early through a penalty. The result was never in doubt though, and Forrest later added his second after Christie was brought down in the box.
Here is how Rodgers’ men fared against Killie.
Craig Gordon 6
Did well when called upon as he hardly had any difficult saves to make. Got a hand on the penalty but couldn’t keep it out.
Emilio Izaguirre 8
Never felt like the Hoops missed Tierney as the Honduran fullback was brilliant down the left with his attacking contributions. His close control skills and crosses were fantastic.
Filip Benkovic 6
Gave away a cheap foul and got a yellow card. The penalty which he gave away was a contentious one but he still slightly mistimed his challenge. Overall looked good apart from these moments.
Jozo Simunovic 7
With Boyata out, he has a big part to play, and his performance was solid overall at the back.
Mikael Lustig 7.5
Enjoyed a lot of freedom while going forward and even scored a goal. Jordan Jones kept him busy on the defensive front, but Killie didn’t threaten enough and weren’t able to involve Jones often in the game
Callum McGregor 8
Played in deep areas and always looked to push the ball forward at every opportunity. Maybe that’s why Rodgers preferred him once again over Brown.
Tom Rogic 8
His link-up play in the final third was brilliant, and the Australian was behind almost all the major moves. Was denied brilliantly on quite a few occasions by the opposition goalkeeper.
Ryan Christie 8.5
It’s unbelievable how he was sitting on the bench initially, and in the last two months, he has been the best player at the club. Scored a brilliant free-kick and was extremely threatening with his runs and passes in the final third.
Scott Sinclair 7
Shone brightly in patches and made some good solo runs. His finishing was poor and as a result, couldn’t manage a goal for himself which was there for the taking.
James Forrest 9
Got two and could have scored more. Was in the thick of things in every attack and his marauding runs were too hot for the Killie defenders to handle.
Odsonne Edouard 7
Finished well for the goal but often made the wrong decisions in the final third and could have been more clinical.
Substitutes
Scott Brown 6
Saw out the game after coming on.
Olivier Ntcham 6
Started some good moves and linked up well.
Leigh Griffiths N/A
Played too little to warrant a rating.
