Celtic were already beaten once at Rugby Park when they locked horns with Kilmarnock in the second round of the Scottish League Cup. The early elimination shattered the Hoops” ‘treble’ hopes and a late collapse this afternoon has now jeopardized their Premiership title defence amid Rangers’ revival under Philippe Clement.
Celtic players rated in their 2-1 defeat against Kilmarnock.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Made some key saves to keep Celtic in it for the majority of the fixture. Could have done little to stop either of the two late goals that resulted in the Bhoys’ first league defeat of the campaign.
Alistair Johnston: 6.5
Made overlapping runs and linked up well with Mikey Johnston down the right-hand flank. Performed his defensive duties including a crucial goalline clearance.
Nat Phillips: 5
Featured in place of injured Cameron Carter-Vickers, but the Liverpool loanee failed to impress following a shaky display in the heart of the backline. Scored an own goal that brought Killie back in the contest. Should have done better to stop Matt Kennedy’s winner minutes before the final whistle.
Liam Scales: 6.5
Made some timely tackles, recoveries as well as no-nonsense clearances. Won the majority of duels against the hosts’ striking duo Kennedy and Kyle Vassell.
Greg Taylor: 5.5
Struggled aerially throughout the game. Offered nothing in attack and was at fault during Kennedy’s late strike that saw the hosts scripting a famous turnaround against the Glasgow giants.
Tomoki Iwata: 6
Retained his place deep down the midfield. Did the basics right early into the game but faded off with time when the home side increased the pressure after conceding in the first half. Made way for Kyogo Furuhashi moments after Phillips’ own goal.
Matt O’Riley: 7.5
Broke the deadlock just over the half-hour mark as he was the quickest to react and score from the rebound. Was denied by Will Dennis on a couple of other occasions, but the Danish midfield ace was exquisite once again despite his efforts going in vain in East Ayrshire.
Callum McGregor: 6.5
Played his part in O’Riley’s goal as his strike was stopped by Dennis only for the ex-MK Dons prospect to knock the ball high into the net. Looked rusty with his tackles and lacked the usual creative spark and vision in the middle of the park.
Mikey Johnston: 7
Was lively from the right as he created several chances for fellow attackers and midfielders with his crosses, cut insides and swift footwork. Should offer more in terms of shooting and directness from inside the box.
Luis Palma: 7
Hit the woodwork in the first half. Started well with his flashy skills and link-up play. But he became predictable after a certain point which led to a late substitution. James Forrest replaced him in the attacking third.
Oh Hyun-Gyu: 5.5
Was rewarded with back-to-back starts after his midweek brace against Hibernian. Tested the keeper once, but the South Korean international was mostly disappointing as he failed to grab his opportunities while spearheading the attack.
Celtic Subs vs Kilmarnock
Yang Hyun-Jun: 5.5
Was brought in for Mikey Johnston. But the South Korean prospect could not make any noteworthy contribution as a wing-forward.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6
His only effort was denied by Dennis in the Killie goal.
James Forrest: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
