Celtic are now just one point from the title
Celtic 5 - 1 Kilmarnock
Celtic moved to the brink of yet another Scottish Premiership title after a blistering first-half performance against Kilmarnock.
The Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers demanded a response following the loss to the division's bottom side. Within 24 minutes of this match against Kilmarnock kicking off, Celtic were four ahead thanks to a stunning array of goals, with Daizen Maeda, Cameron Carter-Vickers and two Reo Hatate.
Danny Armstrong's cross sailed home for some brief respite for Derek McInnes' men. However, the champions-elect utterly dominated the first half of this match. They would have been happy to be only trailing 4-1 at half-time. Not a good place to be in.
They then eased up slightly but the icing on the cake arrived in injury time as substitute Anthony Ralston danced into the box and found the far corner.
A closer look at what happened and why it happened
It had been reported in some outlets that the Celtic boss had questioned the mindset of his squad after defeat last Sunday meant there was no home title party this weekend. They responded well and were magnificent, swatting Kilmarnock away with some excellent goals.
The first was a moment of brilliance as Hatate received a one-two pass and, without hesitation, fired the ball into the top corner, leaving Kieran O'Hara with no chance in goal.
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Things quickly fell apart for the visitors. Arne Engels waited before playing a delightful ball behind for Alistair Johnston, who squared it for Maeda to tap in the easiest of his 31 goals this season.
Celtic's attacking play was relentless, and Carter-Vickers strode toward the box before smashing a perfect long-range strike into the top corner.
The fourth was also wonderfully worked. James Forrest released Johnston, who found Hatate with space and time to net his second of the game and 10th of the season.
At that stage, Kilmarnock looked in freefall. From nowhere, Armstrong crossed with pace and it soared to the far post and over Viljami Sinisalo into the top corner. Fortunate but gratefully received.
Celtic kept at it. Kilmarnock managed to avoid further damage just before half-time when Maeda slammed home but Adam Idah was adjudged just offside.
The visitors found little comfort, as their changed approach at halftime had some effect, but the damage was already done.
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You got the impression that Celtic could have easily scored 7,8 or 9 here but they switched off slightly to conserve energy after half-time. Their upcoming Scottish Cup semi final would have been on their minds. No need to risk any injuries.
They did eventually get a fifth though. Engels came closer with a curling effort that clipped the bar before Ralston's late strike as Celtic inflicted a painful, chastening afternoon on their opponents.
Celtic would have clinched the title earlier than expected but Rangers last minute equaliser at Aberdeen will mean they will have to wait until their next game.
