A much changed Celtic side went to Rugby Park looking to restore some professional pride after the recent defeat to St Mirren left the Hoops 23 points behind Rangers.
The Bhoys almost had the ideal start when Odsonne Edouard appeared to be tripped inside the box, but there was nothing doing as the referee waved away appeals for a penalty.
That was a penalty on Edouard.
Clear foul.
— George Paterson (@gfpaterson) February 2, 2021
The Frenchman was lively in the opening exchanges and almost opened the scoring when his shot was blocked after Greg Taylor’s cut back. Moments later it was the turn of the opposite full back to set up Edouard as Jonjoe Kenny whipped in a delightful cross, but the keeper managed to intercept at the last moment.
A positive start was nearly squandered as the same old defensive frailties were on full display when Scott Bain failed to claim a cross which landed in his six yard box, but fortunately Burke was unable to convert his golden opportunity for the hosts.
Celtic re-composed themselves thereafter, and David Turnbull went close with a curling effort on 18 minutes. The ball drifted just wide of the post on that occasion.
Three minutes after that chance, Celtic were inches away from conceding a set piece goal as Kilmarnock swung a corner into the area, which just evaded the head of their striker as it flashed across goal.
With 28 minutes on the clock, the Bhoys took the lead through Scott Brown. Many supporters questioned his selection ahead of Soro, but he answered the doubters by scoring a header from Turnbull’s corner.
🟢⚪ “The captain scores on his return to the team!”
Celtic have the goal their pressure was pushing for as Scott Brown gets free in the middle to head home Turnbull’s corner .
📺 Watch Kilmarnock vs Celtic on Sky Sports Football. pic.twitter.com/CWSqs09ufv
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 2, 2021
Little of note took place after Broony’s opener as the last third of the half saw most of the action confined to the midfield area.
It has been a mixed performance from Celtic so far. Ajeti has been anonymous. Edouard has been particularly frustrating by continuously taking too many touches and dribbling into opposition players. Callum McGregor has also been guilty of being caught on the ball and giving it away by playing in areas that are too tight. That said, Turnbull has offered flashes of creativity, Kenny shows great intent to get forward and Neil Lennon’s side certainly deserve their lead at the interval.
What’s with Edouard taking about 283 touches before shooting or passing it on these days😴
— DJB (@Bhoy1888Celtic1) February 2, 2021
David turnbull is a class act.
— Ryan Clifford (@Ryanclifford11) February 2, 2021
Liking the intent from JonJoe Kenny so far, likes to get forward.
— A D A M (@adthelad57) February 2, 2021
Livingston beat Aberdeen 2-0 earlier this evening, which keeps the Dons eight points adrift of Celtic. Hibernian recorded a decent win over St Mirren though, lifting them to 46 points – six points behind Celtic as things stand. Therefore, it’s imperative that we get the job done in the second half to make sure of the Champions League qualification spot.
