Celtic returned to the top of the Premiership table on Sunday.
It was a difficult but deserved three points for Celtic against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park and it tops off a wonderful week for the club.
Starting with the Bhoys demolishing Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, it then got even better when Brendan Rodgers watched his team produce a Champions League masterclass against RB Leipzig in midweek.
Understandably so, that was going to take a lot out on the players and it showed against a very determined, physical and high-pressing Kilmarnock side.
Callum McGregor scored a fortunate opening goal just before the half-time break, as Celtic tried to control the match, but kept losing possession.
You could sense something was going to give and Nicolas Kuhn stepped up to do what he does best.
Chris Sutton’s verdict on Nicolas Kuhn during Celtic’s win v Kilmarnock
What a week it has been for Kuhn and what a player he is becoming for the champions because that was another sensational goal.
The burst of speed to run off his man, then keep his composure, open his body up and slot home was a thing of beauty.
As you can imagine, Chris Sutton was waxing lyrical about the player in the commentary box and he labelled the German as a ‘big game player’.
Sutton also lauded Kuhn for doing his taking off the pitch, telling fans that they will see the best of him this season, then backing it up, as he told Sky Sports Football (10/11/24 at 4:35 pm).
“Brilliant,” said Sutton about Kuhn’s goal. “Well, what a season he is having. He did miss the earlier opportunity. He’s electric here. Clever run in behind. I think he was held at first and then he composes himself.
“Kyogo is saying ‘well, why didn’t you square that to me?’. But Nicolas Kuhn only has one thing on his mind and he finds that bottom corner. Breathing space for Celtic. Just composes himself. Knows where he wants to place this. That pace gets him away from Watson.
“How crucial could that goal be? He has been a big game player, Nicolas Kuhn for Celtic this season. Some crucial goals. Quite the week. That little bit of pace. Dynamism and then his finishing has been excellent in the main this season. It’s okay saying it (that Celtic fans will see the best of me) but you have to back it up. He had an excellent pre-season. It was difficult for him last season, but boy we are seeing the best of him so far.”
Crucial Kasper Schmeichel moment helps Celtic to win
In these games, you need everyone to step up and Kasper Schmeichel did just that just before Kuhn scored.
Callum McGregor was dispossessed on the edge of the box and it allowed Matty Kennedy to drive at Celtic’s backline and have a shot at goal.
But he was denied by the man in between the sticks and it was one of many moments where, the eventual Man of the Match winners, saved his team’s blushes.
In the end, Schmeichel saved six Kille efforts, with 18 shots in total from Derek McInnes’ side.
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