Celtic delivered a solid performance against Kilmarnock, securing a 2-0 victory that saw them reclaim their spot at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Goals from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn were enough to see off a spirited Killie side, who managed 18 shots but failed to find the net. Here’s how the players rated.
Kasper Schmeichel – 10
Schmeichel was at his commanding best, making several crucial saves, including a sharp stop from Corrie Ndaba’s early effort.
He dealt with everything Kilmarnock threw at him, whether from open play or set pieces. His distribution was excellent, helping Celtic transition quickly. A clean sheet well earned and undoubtedly Celtic’s best player on the day.
Alistair Johnston – 7
Limited in his attacking contributions due to Kilmarnock’s defensive approach, Johnston still managed to play a key role in securing the clean sheet. He was solid defensively and provided the assist for Kuhn’s goal with a well-timed pass.
Auston Trusty – 8
Trusty had his hands full dealing with the physical presence of Kyle Vassell but rose to the challenge. His positioning and tackling were impeccable, making him a standout in defence. Trusty’s reliability is becoming crucial, especially with Cameron Carter-Vickers sidelined.
Liam Scales – 6
Scales returned to the starting line-up and put in a determined shift. While not as assured as Trusty, he threw himself into challenges and made vital clearances. A solid if unspectacular display, but he played his part in keeping a clean sheet.
Greg Taylor – 6
A quiet afternoon for Taylor, who focused on his defensive duties. He did well to limit Kilmarnock’s threat down the left and maintained his discipline throughout. The battle for the left-back spot with Alex Valle will be one to watch.
Callum McGregor – 7
McGregor once again led by example, scoring the opener with a whipped cross that evaded everyone and nestled into the net. He was pivotal in both defence and attack, making key interceptions and helping to control the tempo. A crucial figure for Celtic, his influence was evident.
Arne Engels – 5
Engels struggled to make an impact in a physical game. While he had a couple of decent forward runs, his overall contribution was underwhelming. He’ll need to find consistency as Celtic head into a busy period.
Reo Hatate – 7
Hatate showed glimpses of his best form, particularly in his attacking play. However, he was fortunate to avoid a red card for a late challenge on Liam Donnelly. Substituted soon after, he remains a key creative outlet for Celtic.
Nicolas Kuhn – 8
Kuhn was a constant threat on the right wing. After an early miss, he made amends by assisting McGregor’s opener and scoring the second himself. His pace, skill, and eye for goal have made him one of Celtic’s most dangerous players this season.
Adam Idah – 5
A frustrating outing for Idah, who struggled to hold up the ball and link play effectively. He was largely anonymous in the first half and failed to convert his limited chances. He’ll be hoping for better displays in the coming fixtures.
Daizen Maeda – 6
Maeda’s work rate was, as always, exemplary, but he found it difficult to break down Kilmarnock’s defence. He was kept quiet by Lewis Mayo, but his relentless energy ensured he still contributed defensively.
Substitutes
Paulo Bernardo – 5
Replaced Engels and added some much-needed energy in midfield. Made life difficult for Kilmarnock’s players with his pressing and physicality.
Kyogo Furuhashi – 5
Kyogo’s movement and link-up play were far more effective than Idah’s. He came close to scoring late on and provided a spark off the bench.
Tony Ralston – 4
Solid in his short cameo, Ralston helped Celtic see out the game. A dependable option when called upon.
James Forrest – 6
Forrest was Celtic’s best substitute, driving forward with purpose and relieving pressure with his ball-carrying. His experience showed in a professional display.
Luke McCowan – 5
McCowan made a brief but impactful appearance, nearly scoring with a long-range effort and winning a crucial foul to help Celtic maintain control.
McInnes Reflects on Kilmarnock’s Performance
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes was full of praise for his team despite the defeat.
“On another day, with the chances we had, we could’ve got something,” McInnes told Sky Sports. “But we lacked that clinical edge. I can’t fault the effort; the lads gave everything.”
McInnes was also asked about the controversial challenge by Reo Hatate on Liam Donnelly.
“At the time, I thought it was high but not with a lot of force. VAR would’ve shown the tackle didn’t look great, but I’m not convinced it was a red. Sometimes you don’t get those calls against teams like Celtic,” he admitted.
Conclusion
Celtic’s 2-0 win at Rugby Park was hard-fought but well-deserved. While Kilmarnock showed resilience and created chances, the champions’ quality in key moments made the difference. Kasper Schmeichel’s heroics and Nicolas Kuhn’s brilliance ensured Celtic left with all three points, maintaining their position at the summit of the Premiership.