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Here’s how rated the Celtic starting XI and subs in their victory over Kilmarnock.
Celtic defeated Kilmarnock 4-0 in their last SPFL Premiership match before the International break.
In what could well be Martin O’Neill’s last game in the dugout his side got off to the best possible start when a Kilmarnock defensive slip led to a Johnny Kenny tap-in. Kieran Tierney doubled the Hoops lead after coming on early for the injured Marcelo Saracchi. After missing at least two sitters, Daizen Maeda got in on the action in the dying minutes before Arne Engels converted from the spot to make it four.
Maeda started in place of James Forrest in what was one of five changes O’Neill made from Thursdays’ humbling. It was the Japanese winger who had the first big chance of the game inside the first five minutes when he blazed his shot over the bar from five yards out after Sebastian Tounekti’s cross found him.
In what was an impressive, high-tempo opening display, The Hoops never let Kilmarnock out of their own half and nearly took the lead again when Kenny hit the post with a right-footed effort. A couple of minutes later, the Irishman scored a tap-in when Reo Hatate took advantage of a George Stanger slip and played it across the six yard box for an easy finish. The move was started by some dazzling wing play from Sebastian Tounekti, who was a thorn in the side of Kilmarnock all afternoon.
Saracchi became the latest injury concern for The Celts as he was stretchered off holding his hamstring in the first 20 minutes. The Kilmarnock goalkeeper, Eddie Beach wasn’t one for catching the ball and appeared to parry at any given opportunity. Maeda should’ve score for the second time when the ball fell into his path after Kenny took advantage of a Beach error. However, somehow it got caught under his feet and Killie cleared.
Moments later, some route one Kilmarnock football gave them their first chance of the game. A long ball from Beach wasn’t dealt with by the Celtic defence and ended up putting Bruce Anderson through on goal, but the Ayrshire marksman hit the post with his left-footed effort. The visitors then made Kasper Schmeichel work for the first time when Scott Tiffoney’s shot deflected off Liam Scales, forcing the Danish stopper to tip it over the bar.
As the second half commenced, news filtered through Celtic Park that Hearts had drawn with Dundee United at Tynecastle, giving The Hoops a chance to close the gap on their Edinburgh rivals in the league table. Maeda had yet another chance when he had a free header from a McCowan corner, but not for the first time, he couldn’t keep it down.
Since coming on earlier than expected for Saracchi, Tierney had displayed one of his best performances since rejoining in the summer. The full back was constantly bombing forward, hitting the by-line and putting in quality crosses. He got his reward in the 51st minute when his thunderous left footed effort from the edge of the box sailed past Beach into the bottom corner.
The Hoops then had a mini-penalty shout when Anthony Ralston went down in the box, however replays showed their to be minimal contact. The defender came on for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who made his very first appearance for The Hoops a lot later than expected. Moments later, a superb through-ball from substitute Engels, Maeda finally got his goal in what was ironically, a lot harder of a chance than his first two.
The Japanese striker was then played through by Ralston in what looked like an identical through-ball to the Engels one just minutes earlier, however this time Beach was equal to the shot. In the very last minute, Yang Hyun-jun was taken down in the box by James Brown. Engels converted from the spot, which turned out to be the last kick of the game.
Kasper Schmeichel - 6/10
Good save from Tiffoney’s deflected effort in the first half. Other than that had next to nothing to do.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey - 7/10
Gave the ball away a few times in the early stages but settled in after that. The physicality and athleticism of the 20-year old is an encouraging sign he can play at part in the starting XI for the remainder of the season.
Auston Trusty - 7/10
Continued his rich vein of form. Looked comfortable against a physical Kilmarnock attack. Filling the Carter-Vickers shaped hole in the defence with aplomb.
Liam Scales - 7/10
Coped well with the physicality of Bruce Anderson. An assured performance after struggling against Midtjylland.
Marcelo Saracchi - 5/10
Didn’t play long enough to have an impact. Hoops fans will be hoping it’s not yet another long term injury.
Callum McGregor - 6/10
Nothing spectacular but a massive improvement from midweek from the captain. Yellow card late on for a reckless challenge on Greg Kiltie.
Luke McCowan - 7/10
A willing forward runner in his first start in six games. Created numerous big chances for Tounekti and Maeda. Hooked for Nygren on the hour mark but can pleased with his contribution.
Reo Hatate - 7/10
Assisted the first and never stopped all afternoon in the engine room. After being dropped from the starting XI for a number of weeks, like McCowan, he’s re-staked his claim to get back in.
Daizen Maeda - 7/10
His chance in the 27th minute was an all-time sitter. Had a great battle with Killie left back, Dominic Thompson. Got his goal in the end but should’ve had a hat-trick.
Sebastian Tounekti - 7/10
Good intricate play for the opener. Caused Brown all sorts of problems all. Whether it be cutting inside or going down the line, you felt everytime he had the ball something was going to happen.
Johnny Kenny - 6/10
Right place at the right time for the first. Will want to be more involved in general play but four goals from four games is a good sign.
Kieran Tierney - 8/10
Bombed forward well and had a great understanding with Tounekti. A vintage Parkhead performance from the scorer of the second. Boy did he need that.
Benjamin Nygren - 6/10
Looked sharp enough coming off the bench. Looks a lot better when Celtic are playing with tempo.
Anthony Ralston - 6/10
Poor dive for the penalty shout. Great ball through to Maeda at the death, should’ve had an assist.
Arne Engels - 7/10
Great ball for Maeda’s goal. Another one that needed a performance after a poor midweek display. Took his penalty well.
Won a penalty in his 10 minute cameo.
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