Celtic recovered from a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Lazio on Wednesday evening as they convincingly defeated Kilmarnock on Saturday. Goals from Reo Hatate, Luis Palma, and Greg Taylor ensured victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
It was a deserved win for the Hoops who now sit seven points clear of second placed St. Mirren and a colossal ten points ahead of Rangers on Saturday night. Here are three things we learned from the match.
Hatate Back To His Best
Starting in midfield this afternoon, Japan internationalist Reo Hatate returned to his best form. The 25-year-old was poor midweek in Europe, but returned to form with a goal and assist alike today.
He opened the scoring early doors with an unbelievable solo effort before laying it off perfectly for Luis Palma to net. Since signing a new contract a few weeks ago, Hatate had not been at his best but against Killie, banished any concerns over his form.
Luis Palma Takes Chance In Starting Lineup
He was left gut-wrenched on Wednesday evening when his late goal was disallowed, but Luis Palma put aside the past on Saturday, scoring a terrific goal.
Starting on the left and for the first time domestically, Palma grasped his opportunity with both hands. Just past the half-hour mark, he capitalised on an error in the visitors’ defence and played an effective one-two with Hatate.
The 23-year-old then unleashed a venomous effort into the top left corner. Wheeling away in celebration, the relief on Palma’s face was coherent when he scored his second Celtic goal.
Things Starting To Come Together For Rodgers
Today’s performance was one of the champions’ best of the season so far. The team are beginning to gel, and for Brendan Rodgers, things are finally coming together.
Players are getting themselves to full fitness, such as Cameron Carter-Vickers, and the overall play and performance levels are upping each week.
Rodgers has previously spoken about ‘peak Celtic’. As the season transpires, it appears we are getting closer and closer to that.
Yes played well killie scored a goal thanks to poor refereeing i hope we have seen this ref for a while he is not up to the stsndard as some and thats bad c v as we have one good ref the rest are poor or very poor they always get the big ones wrong in most games