On This Day: Larsson and Sutton double act see off Kilmarnock…
On This Day in 2002, A Henrik Larsson hat-trick and a double from Chris Sutton combined to inflict a hefty defeat on Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. Celtic were flying during this period under Irish manager Martin O’Neill, and 2002 would set in motion a chain of events that would see Celtic reach a European final, as well as narrowly missing out on the league on the last day to a financially doped football club in Govan.
The journey was quite something to behold nontheless, and this is one of many great results from a memorable season. Henrik’s first came from a lovely floated cross from Neil Lennon; with Larsson instinctively finishing from the six yard box. Larsson and Sutton then linked up to create a passage of great teamwork that ended with a intricate Larsson pass to Sutton, who slotted home without any problems.
Then, after a sustained attack from a ball into the box, Balde’s header found its way to the back post where Joos headed it back off the cross bar – only for our Magnificent Seven to finish with a headed tap-in. Next up would be another from Sutton that succeeded excellent individual play by Henrik. A ball from Sylla that was just behind the striker, forced him to improvise with a delightful flick to himself, getting him away from the defender and through on goal. The goalkeeper would be hoodwinked though as Henrik produced a cheeky drag-back to set up Sutton for his second of the day.
The last would go to the man of the moment to complete another hat-trick for Celtic. With a cool head Henrik rounded off his day with a strong penalty to seal the victory in true Larsson fashion.
Take a look and enjoy all the goals below…