Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers hailed a “fantastic” 2-0 win at Kilmarnock as he praised his players for standing up to a difficult test.
Killie managed 18 shots at goal and Kasper Schmeichel pulled off a number of saves while Marley Watkins hit the post for the hosts at Rugby Park.
But Celtic prevailed thanks to goals in each half from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn.
McGregor’s attempted cross nestled in the far corner of the net in first-half stoppage-time and Kuhn showed pace, skill and finishing prowess to settle matters in the 71st minute as Celtic went back top of the William Hill Premiership on goal difference above Aberdeen.
Celtic had to deliver a different type of performance from the ones that had seen them sweep to victories against Aberdeen and RB Leipzig in different competitions in previous days.
“It was a brilliant win for us,” Rodgers said. “It was never going to be like last Saturday or Tuesday. Kilmarnock, what they do, they do exceptionally well. Very direct, they get it forward.
“You’ve got to fight. And for that, the players deserve a huge amount of credit because they showed another side to the team.
“It’s a pressure game that Kilmarnock play and if you can’t stand up to it and you’re not strong enough in your duels and as a team, then you can come unstuck. So it was a fantastic win for us.”
Kuhn has now scored 10 goals this season and provided 11 assists, the latest when he passed to McGregor ahead of the opener.
Rodgers said: “He’s now starting to get numbers to his game and those attacking players, that what’s key for us.
“It’s absolutely brilliant. But that’s his job. That’s why the money’s in his bank every month, to make the contribution and he’s been so good.”
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes was frustrated with the result but full of praise for his players.
“I’m really pleased with how the players set about the task,” he said. “We had to show real competitiveness, tenacity, physicality, fitness, intelligence.
“It’s not just enough to try and stop Celtic getting into some sort of groove and some sort of rhythm, it’s important that we try and play off the back of it. And I think we got that.
“We got more touches than I’ve ever seen when we played Celtic inside their box. I think we had twice as many as them, twice as many shots, twice as many better opportunities.
“But ultimately, as good as the performance was, we just fell short with those chances. Obviously, we’ve hit the woodwork. I think Celtic got some good blocks, one or two saves.
“But in the main, we were still bemoaning the fact that any team that plays against Celtic, you’ve got to take the chances when they come along.”
McInnes added: “The goal was a blow for us right on half-time. It comes when Kyle Vassell can’t quite get back in. He’s impacted by the Achilles injury that he picked up and had to come off. We’re just a wee bit in between for the first time in the game.
“McGregor’s allowed to lift his head, the weight of the pass across is magnificent. It slid off the back of our defender. A real sucker punch, to be honest, considering the performance.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...
The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...
Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina's youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal...
Kolo Muani Linked with January Premier League LoanParis Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani could secure a temporary move to the Premier League in January, according to Caught Offside. The French international, who has faced limited playing opportunities this season, is attracting interest from several English clubs. West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race for Kolo...
- 1 Roy Keane forced to watch daughter's beau net on his England debut
- 2 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 3 Nicolas Pepe pictured on night out with porn star Teanna Trump
- 4 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 5 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 6 Liverpool and Man Utd eye Pulisic
- 7 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 8 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number
- 9 Daily Laugh - Oliver Aiku, who praises Van Dijk
- 10 Trent Alexander-Arnold dating stunning Instagram model