CELTIC 4 KILMARNOCK 0: BACK TO OUR BEST?
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- 43 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Celtic ran out 4-0 winners with a convincing display over Kilmarnock. Goals from Johnny Kenny, Kieran Tierney, Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels ensured all three points. Current title rivals Hearts stumbled to a second draw in three, drawing 1-1 with Jim Goodwin's Dundee United.
Therefore, Celtic head into the international break seven points behind Derek McInnes's men with a game in hand.
So, how did each individual fare?
Celtic 4 Kilmarnock 0: Player by Player Breakdown
Kasper Schmeichel - 8
The Dane had very little to do on the shot stopping front, making just one save all afternoon. However, Kettlewell’s men tried to crowd Schmeichel from the few crossing opportunities they were offered. They found little success, with the 39-year-old catching their deliveries with ease.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey - 7.5
Not offered a single minute this season, it came as a shock when Martin O’Neill threw him into the starting lineup. Naturally a centre-back, his control and passing were solid, as was his one-on-one defending. While he never ventured forward the way you so often see Celtic fullbacks do, there should be an understanding of his profile. The Yorkshire born defender also provided some height to the Celtic back line, which proved to be helpful at set-pieces.
Auston Trusty - 8.5
Another man who had seen his gametime limited, Trusty has shone upon his return to the lineup. Once again, his aerial defending was top class, while his speed of passing brought real intensity to the game. A highlight moment in the second half saw him adopt the right wing position for a spectacular run.
Liam Scales - 7
Scales enjoyed a comfortable enough afternoon without very much being asked of him. Since the change of management, he has seen less of the ball, with Trusty being the ball player out of the two. It makes sense, as you should play to the strengths of the individuals, rather than prioritizing the pattern over its very components.
Marcelo Saracchi - 7.5
Saracchi added to Celtic’s lengthy injury list, pulling his hamstring and having to be replaced by Kieran Tierney 22 minutes in. Even in the brief moments he played, his energy out wide was really effective, getting in behind the Kilmarnock backline and linking well with Sebastian Tounetki.
Callum McGregor - 8.5
The captain’s out of possession game was as impressive as his typically reliable on the ball presence. In the few moments that Celtic lost the ball in the first half, he frequently regained possession. Meanwhile, on the ball, he showed great body positioning time and time again to shrug off his markers. Since Tynecastle, the captain has really upped his game.
Luke McCowan - 8
The 27-year-old won’t make the headlines, but this was as tidy a midfield performance as you are likely to see. Drifting in and out of the right hand pockets, he frequently took the ball on the turn and linked up so well with the Celtic front line. In dangerous areas, he was able to move the ball quickly or bring others into the forefront with just as much precision.
Reo Hatate- 7.5
A splendid player at his best, he has still to reach those heights this season. In recent weeks it has seemed as though he has lost his confidence, with the Japanese international taking a split second longer in his decision-making. However, today Hatate was more like himself, assisting Kenny for the opener. So often in the second half, he took the ball in the left area around a crowd of Killie shirts and eased away from pressure, opening up the play on the right hand side.
Daizen Maeda - 8
There should be two separate ratings for Maeda, one for his right-wing performance and the other for his striker display. Last season's player of the season is an awkward fit on the right hand side but as always he worked his socks off. When he moved into the central area, he was a different entity altogether. He didn't give the Killie defence a minute breathing space and expertly finished to give Celtic their third.
Johnny Kenny - 7.5
It’s amazing the difference a couple of weeks can make. Johnny Kenny has finally been given his chance and has snatched it with both hands. Four goals in his last three domestic games, the Hoops know they have a reliable goalscorer in the young Irishman. While there are elements of his all round football game that can be improved, his movement and finishing more than make up for it. It’s early days, but he has the writing of a reliable old fashioned number nine.
Sebastian Tounetki - 7
In the early stages of the match, Tounetki caused Kilmarnock all sorts of issues. He played a crucial role in the opener, playing through Hatate. While he did slightly overhit the pass, the idea was perfect, and he still deserves credit for the vision displayed. As the game went on, he got less involved. Overall though, another decent performance from the deadline-day signing.
Tierney and Engels Excel from the Bench
Kieran Tierney scored his first goal since returning to Celtic and you wonder just how crucial that could prove to be. His all-round attacking display was pleasing, frequently causing chaos with his early and accurate crossing.
Another man who deserves credit is Arne Engels. His pass for Daizen Maeda’s goal was Kevin De Bruyne-like. In recent weeks, his performances have really improved. It’s taken a while, but he finally seems to be settling in to life at Celtic.
With Hearts dropping another 2 points at home to Dundee United, could Celtic 4 Kilmarnock 0 end up being one of the pivotal moments of a season that seems in a state of constant flux?
Time will tell...