Celtic, on a mission to clinch ‘nine in a row’, had an early scare this afternoon at Celtic Park. Kilmarnock fired in against the run of play to grab an unforeseen lead, but the champions responded quickly and went on to score thrice to restore their supremacy at the top of the Scottish Premiership. It is now six straight league wins for Neil Lennon’s men who are flying high once again.
Celtic Players Rated In Their Comeback Win Vs Kilmarnock
Fraser Forster: 8
Was beaten once by Eamonn Brophy around the half-hour mark but denied the Scottish centre-forward midway through the second half with a majestic save. Showed his excellence once again by stopping Alan Power from the spot and therefore, restricted the visitors from staging a late comeback.
Moritz Bauer: 8
Was impressive with marauding runs, link-up play with James Forrest and crosses from the wide. Set it up for Edouard’s second and received plauding from the Parkhead faithful while making way for Hatem Abd Elhamed.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7
Had a composed display in the heart of the backline barring a few occasions when Brophy and Mohamed El Makrini were linking up the attacking third. Was in the right place at the right time and tried to play it out from the back to convert defence into attacking moves.
Christopher Jullien: 7
Was nervy at times but showed his game reading attributes and experience in the deep defensive line. Got injured late in the game and was forced to leave the pitch to make way for Tom Rogic.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo: 7
Had a balanced outing from the left flank as he not only made timely overlaps but also defended deep to prevent the visitors from posing a counter-attacking threat. His shooting and final deliveries could have been better at times.
Scott Brown: 5.5
Conceded a spot-kick once again late in the game. Forster, however, denied it majestically to avoid any potential damage. This is high time Brown works on his discipline to prevent catastrophe.
Callum McGregor: 6.5
Carried the ball forward while operating box-to-box. Created a few chances upfront and came close to finding the net once early in the game.
James Forrest: 8.5
Outstanding throughout as he kept on causing menace in Killie defence whenever he had the ball on his feet. Hit the woodwork and was denied by Laurențiu Brănescu repeatedly. Set it up for Edouard to equalise, and also played his part in Christie’s goal.
Olivier Ntcham: 7
Had a decent outing even though he failed to find the net despite coming close on a couple of occasions. Dominated possession in midfield, linked up well with Edouard and stretched the game down the wide areas from a central role to create space in the opponents’ defence. Was replaced by Jonny Hayes in the second half.
Ryan Christie: 8
Was lively from left, kept on creating opportunities and tapped in from a close range after Forrest’s header was saved brilliantly by Brănescu.
Odsonne Edouard: 9
Enjoying the form of his life as he guided the Hoops to stage a comeback by scoring twice breaking down the visitors’ defensive resolve. Kilmarnock, despite all their efforts, had no answer to the Frenchman’s sheer excellence in front of goal.
Substitutes
Jonny Hayes: 6.5
Helped the Bhoys retain the ball and ensure all three points from a competitive outing.
Hatem Abd Elhamed: 6.5
A good few minutes for the versatile defensive ace in protecting the two-goal cushion.
Tom Rogic: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
