Four Findings: Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic

Kilmarnock made it uncomfortable for Celtic as the visitors narrowly won to go eight points clear of second-placed Rangers.

The match was very choppy and not good on the eyes, as the artificial turf didn’t help, but Celtic started decently but failed to score in the opening 25 minutes. 

Kilmarnock slowly started to gain in confidence at Rugby Park and ended the first half with a flurry of corner kicks that they failed to capitalise on after Scott Brown was put into the book for a challenge in the 38th minute.

Celtic’s frustration continued into the second half, where they waited until the 75th minute when they got a decision to go their way. Kirk Broadfoot went studs up into Brown, prompting referee Bobby Madden to show a seemingly surprised Broadfoot a red card appropriately.

Brendan Rodgers’ men finally broke through after the ball popped out to Brown from Boyata’s knock-down header in the 90th minute. The captain connected well, but it appeared that it might have been going over until it connected with Alex Bruce’s arm, taking it into the goal.  

Brown could not resist but to celebrate with the away support, which prompted a second yellow for the Scotsman, seeing him off for the remaining minutes.

Celtic are now motoring towards an eighth consecutive title, but will now refocus on Thursday’s monumental task of overturning a two-goal deficit at Valencia.

Here are our four findings from the win at Kilmarnock.