Scotland: Celtic close to another title
Kilmarnock 1 - 4 Celtic
Celtic are now only seven points away from retaining the Scottish Premiership after a ruthless first-half performance saw them easily win against Kilmarnock.
The away raced into a stunning four-goal lead inside 27 minutes against hapless the hapless home side.
Some calamitous defending compounded the home side's woe, gifting the league leaders an excess of chances, which were gobbled up by Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Matt O'Riley during a rampant first period.
Fraser Murray's back pass was pounced on by Kyogo to open the scoring. Maeda troubled the visitors' advantage with a well-timed header five minutes later.
With Kilmarnock in disarray, the killer blow was dealt when O'Riley profited from Joe Wright's mistake, tucking a neat strike inside the post, before being found by a pinpoint Greg Taylor pass and rifling into the far corner.
Kyogo also missed a great chance to add to his mounting goal tally when hitting the post from the penalty spot after Christian Doidge caught Taylor with a sloppy challenge. It was game over at this point.
A double change from the Kilmarnock stemmed the flow of Celtic chances. Liam Donnelly dispossessed Celtic captain Callum McGregor and beat Joe Hart to reduce arrears on the stroke of half-time. However, the damage was done.
Celtic ease home to a comfortable victory.
Kilmarnock carved one excellent chance in what was a poor second half. They created a decent chance when Armstrong swung in a brilliant cross from the right and Luke Chambers' header was blocked by Hart.
Despite an improved ending to the game, there will be a lot of concerns amongst Kilmarnock's support. The ease with which they were bowled over in the opening half-hour was the last thing they need in their battle to avoid the drop, particularly with rivals Dundee United having found some form over the last couple of weeks.
Let's explore some of the best reaction to this Celtic win
✅ 30 #cinchPrem wins for the Celts so far this season!
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 16, 2023
Overtaking last season's total - with 6 games left 🤯#CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/UD2YBhDQ17
"That first half was probably as well as we've played all year."
Sean, a Celtic fan from Glasgow, told us: "Celtic's fist half was simply outstanding, probably as well as we've played all year. In the second half, we got a bit sloppy and never got into any rhythm. Our composure going forward, aside from the penalty, was also superb."
"Order the ribbons and call the trophy engraver."
Patrick, another Celtic fan, was in a fantastic mood after Celtic's win and performance: "Order the ribbons, call the engraver and get the party planner on the phone. The title race is now over."
"I so want him to succeed but my patience is wearing thin."
Those were the words of Kilmarnock fan Gordon Eddleston on Twitter. Gordon was highly critical of the Kilmarnock manager. He posted: "We can't afford to sack Derek by the look of it. His job is safe after the contract we gave him, tactics are questionable, and the tombola game is wearing thin. I so want him to succeed but my patience is wearing thin, that first 30 mins was a disgrace.
We can't afford to sack Derek by the look of it,his job is safe regardless after the contract we gave him,tactics are questionable,the tombola game is wearing thin.I so want him to succeed but my patience is wearing thin,that first 30 mins was a disgrace.
— Gordon Eddleston (@FlashGe42) April 16, 2023
Kilmarnock have a huge battle now to stay in the Scottish Premiership. They are only one point clear of Dundee United at the bottom of the table.
Do you want more football news and stories from across Scotland? <Click here to read more news from Celtic, Rangers and more>
