Scottish Premiership Sunday, November 10 2024 Rugby Park, Kilmarnock KILMARNOCK…0 CELTIC…2 (McGregor 45+4, Kuhn 71) Celtic secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, with goals from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn proving decisive in Ayrshire. The game began with Celtic showing their intent to impose themselves, and in the fifth minute, Reo Hatate lofted a perfectly-weighted ball over the Kilmarnock defence. Daizen Maeda outpaced Joe Wright to meet it, before squaring to Adam Idah in the box. However, the Irishman couldn’t replicate his early heroics from May’s title-clinching performance at the saem venue, failing to get the desired connection. Kilmarnock’s defensive steel was evident, but Wright found himself in early trouble after a clash with Idah in the 10th minute. The defender caught Idah with an elbow during an aerial challenge, earning himself a booking and drawing the ire of the home crowd as Idah required treatment. The hosts posed a threat of their own, and in the 16th minute, Corrie Ndaba unleashed a powerful low drive from distance. Kasper Schmeichel was equal to the effort, diving smartly to his right to keep the game level. Celtic’s usual dominance was muted by Kilmarnock’s disciplined play, and they had a scare in the 24th minute when Vassell broke free down the right. The forward’s cross looked destined for the young and promising David Watson, but the teenager mistimed his effort, letting the opportunity slip. At the other end, Celtic began to find their rhythm. A short corner routine in the 27th minute saw McGregor strike from the edge of the area, his sliced effort tipped past the post by Robby McCrorie. Two minutes later, Idah drove forward with intent and tried his luck with a curling shot, but McCrorie made a comfortable save. The best chance of the half so far fell to Kilmarnock in the 36th minute. David Watson’s clever build-up play set Marley Watkins free, one-on-one with Schmeichel. The veteran keeper stood tall as Watkins attempted a delicate chip, but the effort struck the post, with Alistair Johnston on hand to clear the danger. Celtic were thankful for their defensive steel once again just before the break, as Vassell turned smartly in the box and unlashed a fierce left-footed strike. A crucial touch on the way from Auston Trusty ensured the ball went over the bar. The Hoops broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time through a moment of ingenuity from McGregor. Receiving the ball in space, he floated a cross into the box, looking for Idah to apply the finishing touch. The forward’s run distracted McCrorie, and the ball sailed all the way into the net, giving Celtic a precious lead against the run of play. It marked McGregor’s fifth goal of the season, all from outside the box. Brendan Rodgers’ side went into the break with the advantage, but Kilmarnock had shown they are more than capable of threatening especially with their man-marking which was causing Celtic issues.The second half began with the hosts on the front foot. Innes Cameron, on at the break for Kyle Vassell, tested Kasper Schmeichel immediately, but the experienced keeper dealt with the effort comfortably. Kilmarnock continued to press, with Brad Lyons and Corrie Ndaba both coming close in a flurry of early chances. A flowing move in the 51st minute saw Arne Engels’ lofted ball was cushioned down by Adam Idah for Nicolas Kuhn, whose shot was deflected behind by a last-ditch block from Joe Wright. The game opened up as both teams pushed for a breakthrough. Schmeichel continued to showcase his class, denying efforts from Cameron and Matty Kennedy with a string of crucial saves. The Danish internationalist, making his presence felt throughout, kept the Hoops ahead with a display of remarkable composure and agility. Celtic doubled their lead in the 71st minute with a moment of brilliance from Nicolas Kuhn. Alistair Johnston delivered a perfectly weighted pass to the German, whose pace left Deas trailing. Kuhn weaved into the box, gliding past David Watson, and slotted coolly into the far corner. The strike marked Kuhn’s 10th goal of the season, underlining his scintillating form, and securing the points for Brendan Rodgers’ side. The manager made further changes to see out the game, with Anthony Ralston and James Forrest coming on moments after Kuhn’s goal. Luke McCowan replaced Reo Hatate later on, ensuring fresh legs for the closing stages as Celtic managed the game expertly. Celtic nearly added a third through Kyogo after McCowan played in the Japanese striker perfectly. Kyogo got the ball on to his right-foot in the box but his shot was beaten away by McCrorie. The victory for Celtic built on a combination of grit and flashes of attacking quality, keeps Celtic top of the Scottish Premiership heading into the international break after a busy period of games. FixturesKilmarnock Vs. Celtic – Sun, Nov 10th 2024, 15:00
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