A stunning goal from Tom Rogic in the final minute gave Celtic the win to move four points clear at the top of the table.
The best chances of the game for Celtic fell to Erik Sviatchenko who could only watch as his headed effort went just wide of the far post after 15 minutes and another cleared off the line in the second.
Kilmarnock had chances of their own as Kris Boyd peeled off the back of Charlie Mulgrew at the back post on two occasions.
Craig Gordon positioned himself well to save the first one as the second opportunity just evaded Boyd after it took a deflection.
Celtic had plenty of corners but struggled to create any clear openings with their narrow play and a lack of options out wide.
Kieran Tierney came off injured after 40 minutes and provided the only bright spark in the first half getting to the byline and showed urgency and fight in his play.
Here are the players ratings from today’s game.
Craig Gordon 6/10
Well positioned to save Boyd’s shot after a cross from the left side. Didn’t have any other saves to make in the first half and looked good under the high ball from crosses and corners.
Mikael Lustig 6/10
Didn’t get forward a lot in the opening 25 minutes as Celtic struggled to keep width in the side with so many central players. Started to get further forward and provide an option out wide but didn’t get the ball. Good defending from a cross to deflect the ball away and then chase it down to prevent the ball getting back into the box.
Erik Sviatchenko 6/10
Had a great chance to score his first goal in a Celtic shirt but saw his header go just wide of the far post. Solid in defence and cleared his lines when needed. Saw another header go close in the second half as his header was cleared off the line.
Charlie Mulgrew 5/10
Lost Kris Boyd from a cross on two occasions and could have cost Celtic an early goal but for Gordon’s positioning and a deflection which too the ball away from the striker. Poor positioning under the high ball and wasn’t on his toes when the ball broke on numerous occasions. Moved to left-back after Tierney was subbed off for an injury. Lacked the end product from crosses into the box.
Kieran Tierney 5.5/10
Made several runs down the by-line in the opening 10 minutes ad beat his man twice to get a good cross into the box. Terrific defending to track back and block a cross that prevented a goal-scoring opportunity. Replaced on 40 minutes after an injury to his right ankle.
Callum McGregor 5/10
Quiet start to the game and didn’t get on the ball too many times. Lacked any urgency to get on the ball and make something happen.
Scott Brown 5/10
Sharp start to the game for Celtic as he got on the ball and broke up play well. As the game went on the intensity and aggressiveness he started with faded and he continued his poor run of form in the team.
Nir Bitton 5/10
Saw his shot from Brown’s roll back deflected just wide for a corner kick. Fairly tame game for the most part and wasn’t involved in the action too often.
Kris Commons 5/10
Early chance on goal but the ‘keeper made a saved it comfortably. Good intensity to start the game and was involved in all of the attacking play. Five poor corners in the opening 45 minutes. A tame effort of goal from Griffiths’ pass summed up the lack of intensity to Celtic’s play in the first half.
Leigh Griffiths 5/10
Had an early effort on goal blocked and linked-up well with Kazim-Richards and Commons. Very poor in the game otherwise and didn’t see the ball too many times in attacking areas due to a lack of support. Had a n attempt on goal late on from distance which went just wide of the post.
Colin Kazim-Richards 5/10
Good hold-up play at times to bring others into play but his passing over a short distance was poor for the most part. Didn’t get any decent shots on goal and was poor on the whole.
Dedryck Boyata 4/10
Replaced Kieran Tierney who went off injured with an ankle injury after 40 minutes. Sloppy passing when he came out of defence with the ball. First took and judgement let him down on a few occasions and looked hesitant in defence.
Patrick Roberts 6/10
Came on for Kris Commons at half-time and Celtic looked to get him on the ball to cause Killie problems. Looked comfortable on the ball and looked to cut inside on his favoured left foot. He also wasn’t afraid to get down the line and get a cross into the box. Three poor corners from the right side but put a good ball in from the left side which Sviatchenko almost scored from.
Tom Rogic 6/10
Came on for Bitton with 12 minutes remaining in the game as Celtic searched for a solitary winning goal. And Rogic provided it in the last minute of normal time with a stunning strike.