Celtic go into the break 3-0 up against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park thanks to goals from Kyogo, Jota and Moritz Jenz. The Scottish Champions are looking excellent on the dry, artificial pitch in Ayrshire. Celtic have been playing at a relentless tempo, they are not letting up and they are looking to move the ball with such vigour that the home team do not know how to respond.
1. Jota. The Portuguese winger has been excellent this afternoon. His movement down Celtic’s right hand side have caused Killie numerous problems but the real talking point was that stunning strike. The attacker picked the ball up and unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner from thirty yards out to double the lead. After an opening day rocket, three assists last week and a great goal today, he is certainly proving his worth.
2. Plastic Pitch. Normally when Celtic play away at Livi, Killie or Hamilton, the style of play is inhibited by the plastic pitches they play on. Ange’s Celtic are not letting this stop them today despite the conditions. Celtic have been slick, assertive and powerful in attack. Everytime that Celtic go forward, Ange’s team look likely to cause Killie issues.
3. Jenz. The big defender has scored twice in as many games as a Celtic player. He is commanding at the back, partnering CCV but clearly has as eye for goal. Carl Starfelt will know that he needs to be at his best to get back into the team when he’s fully fit.
4. Ring the changes in the second half. Celtic are in control but the conditions can often result in unwanted knocks being picked up. Celtic should look to amend the team on the park by making changes to get minutes into the legs of players across the team so that this intensity is shared around the squad.
5. Greg Taylor. On his return to Rugby Park, Taylor is showing just how much he has improved since signing for Celtic in 2019. The Scottish defender has been brilliant since the start of the season and the arrival of Alexander Bernabei appears to have pushed him onto a new level.
More in the second half please, Celtic.