Pat Bonner praised Celtic’s resilience and second-half intensity after their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Kilmarnock, highlighting both Julián Araujo’s decisive finish and the shift in energy that turned the match.
Speaking on BBC coverage at full time, the former Celtic goalkeeper singled out the stoppage-time winner that sealed another late triumph for Martin O’Neill’s side.
“Julian Araujo’s finish was absolutely brilliant,” Bonner said.
The right-back struck in the 97th minute to complete a remarkable turnaround at Rugby Park, capping a recovery that looked unlikely after a difficult first half.
Kilmarnock had taken control before the break, with Tyreece John-Jules and Joe Hugill putting the hosts two goals ahead and exposing Celtic’s vulnerability to direct play and quick transitions.
Bonner was quick to credit Neil McCann’s side for their performance.
“Kilmarnock played really well in the game, especially in the first half,” he said.
The Ayrshire side pressed with purpose, carried a threat in behind and looked capable of claiming a significant result in their fight to move away from danger.
However, Celtic emerged from the interval transformed.
Martin O’Neill’s triple substitution changed the rhythm and urgency of the contest, with Sebastian Tounekti sparking the comeback with a superb strike before Benjamin Nygren capitalised on defensive hesitation to level the match.
Bonner believes the decisive factor was Celtic’s renewed drive after the break.
“But Celtic’s energy in the second half won them the game.”
As Kilmarnock retreated and fatigue set in, Celtic’s momentum grew, and the late winner felt like the culmination of sustained pressure.
For the third consecutive match, O’Neill’s side found a decisive moment deep into stoppage time, reinforcing a growing sense of belief and resilience as the title race tightens.
The victory keeps Celtic firmly in pursuit at the top and maintains the relentless pressure on their rivals in the race for the Premiership
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yes hiata is feeling sorry for himself but scales and Trusty give him passes with player on him cant take chances on shit pitch get our of yoir on end presd team let them make mistakes our pressing in first half caused the lack of quality ball in the end there plastic turf and time waisting all helped in Celtic winners