Celtic's Virtues On Point To Drown The Kilmarnock Party

The recent win over Kilmarnock show cased some of the reasons this current Celtic team are so effective. Against a confident and well drilled opponent, a hard afternoon was rendered straightforward by the 25^th minute as a 2-0 lead was established.

5^th Minute – Celtic 1, Kilmarnock 0

Many of the improvements we have seen in Celtic’s play due to, in many cases, enforced personnel changes, were writ large in that move:

1. The improved passing from centre back, specifically Benkovic’s range and accuracy.

2. Christie in perpetual motion.

3. The drive of Forrest to get into the opposition box.

4. A consensus of movement and speed.

Kilmarnock, who are admirably organised with a smattering of quality from Jones and Stewart, had their best period of the match from the 20^th to the 25^th minute. They managed three efforts on goal with the last being Jones forcing Gordon to parry into the centre of his box. What happened next was ruthless.

25^th Minute – Celtic 2, Kilmarnock 0

The 2^nd Celtic goal arrived shortly, after putting a literal dampener in the freezing rain on the Kilmarnock top of the league party.

Again, recent Celtic virtues are much in evidence.

1. Benkovic’s ability on the ball and in breaking lines with passes.

2. Christie’s ability to find the half spaces.

3. Edouard’s movement and trust that if he vacates the centre forward position, one of the attacking midfielders will fill the void.

4. The speed of execution.

5. The directness – Celtic play right at the heart of the Kilmarnock defence – at pace.

I expect Sutton or Hartson to be picking up on the improved movement of Edouard in commentary.

From 2-0 there was no way back for Kilmarnock. What had worked well for them in the past now works effectively no more.

When Celtic play like this it is thrilling.