Five things we learned as Celtic earn thumping win against Kilmarnock

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Celtic moved another step closer to the Scottish Premiership title after a convincing win against Kilmarnock.

The Hoops’ lacklustre defeat against St Johnstone last weekend meant that Brendan Rodgers‘ side couldn’t lift the title in front of their home fans but raced into a 4-0 lead within the first 25 minutes.

A Reo Hatate thunderbolt was quickly followed up by a simple tap-in for Daizen Maeda. Cameron Carter-Vickers then piled on the agony with a ridiculous long-range strike. Hatate then added his second of the game on the 25th minute mark.

Danny Armstrong pulled one back for the visitors but by that point, the damage had been done and in second-half stoppage time, Anthony Ralston repeated what he did on the opening day of the season against the same side by adding the fifth.

It was a remarkable performance and a huge improvement on the previous weekend’s disappointment.

With that, here’s five things we learned from the performance at Celtic Park.

Brendan Rodgers got his response

After Rodgers publicly criticised the players last week, the Celtic boss was clearly after a response and my word did he get one.

There was a sense of hunger and urgency from the XI that started on the pitch and they had the game dead and buried before the clock had barely ticked into the 10th minute.

That was the response of a side who remain in the hunt for a Treble-winning season and now the Scottish Premiership title is within touching distance.

• READ MORE: Cameron Carter-Vickers admits Brendan Rodgers did something at St Johnstone that he’s seen only a few times before

Cameron Carter-Vickers can score screamers

Anything Hatate can do, Carter-Vickers can do better it seems.

The midfielder’s long-range strike got the Bhoys off the mark but just over 10 minutes later, it had already been bettered by the USA international.

Chris Sutton said he didn’t want Carter-Vickers to shoot but was proved wrong as the defender thumped one in from distance.

Reo Hatate enjoys best-scoring season

Hatate was one of three Celtic players slammed for their St Johnstone display but seemed like he had a point to prove.

There’s often a perception around the Japan international, with some suggesting that he has too many off days, but today was anything other than that.

Whilst his first goal was exceptional, his second displayed his wonderful technical ability. Luring in the defender to then drag the ball away and create the space to tuck the ball home.

Those strikes took him into double figures for the season – his best return since joining the Bhoys.

Greg Taylor shows why Celtic will miss him

Greg Taylor looks certain to leave Celtic at the end of the season, barring any last-minute contract U-turns, but he gave supporters a reminder of what they will be without.

The full-back was as sharp as ever against his old club, winning all of his duels at the back and providing a threat up front too.

He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he has always been a valuable servant and deserves his flowers for the display today.

Atmosphere still sounded flat

Many expected this day to be the day that Celtic lifted the title for the 55th time in the club’s history, but that surprise defeat at McDiarmid Park meant the champagne remained on ice for the time being.

Those who made the trip to Paradise were treated to a brilliant performance but it still felt like the atmosphere was a tad too quiet with some seats left empty and hardly any noise heard outside of the singing section. Others headed for the exit door early too.

Maybe it’s because the job is nearly done. Is it the lack of competition in the league? We’re not sure. But, you’d have expected Celtic Park to have been rocking.