Talk about leaving it late, but Celtic had to wait until the 96th minute to beat Kilmarnock.
After a frustrating first half, Brendan Rodgers’ side broke the deadlock just before the hour mark as Daizen Maeda’s glancing header nestled in the corner of the net.
It looked like the Bhoys would have enough to see them over the line, but Kilmarnock had other answers as David Watson’s header brought the hosts level with less than 10 minutes to go.
Everyone seemed to be settling for a point, until John Beaton pointed to the spot after Robbie Deas handled the ball in the box.
Debutant Kelechi Iheanacho was then tasked with scoring from the spot and did so in the 96th minute.
With that, here are five things we learned from the huge win in Ayrshire.
- READ MORE: What Brendan Rodgers told the ‘new guys’ in the dressing room after Celtic’s late Kilmarnock win
Celtic fans turn up in numbers to protest against the board
All of the talk in the build-up to the game was the protests against the current board.
Michael Nicholson was there to see the protest as a large majority of the away end didn’t enter the stands at Rugby Park until the 12th minute.
There was a strange silence around the stadium as the usual songs and chants were put on hold in order to unite together as fans.
It seemed that Celtic fans had mixed views to the protest, with some pointing out that there were still a handful of supporters that were in the stands.
Sebastian Tounekti has got Celtic fans excited
If there was an obvious standout for players that impressed, Sebastian Tounekti was the key man for Celtic today.
Signed from Hammarby for over £5m, Rodgers threw the Tunisia international in from the off and he made an instant impact.
Fans have been crying out for a winger to be direct and take on their full-back. Tounekti did that all afternoon and arguably deserved a goal or an assist.
A great start and long may it continue.
Colby Donovan takes his chance
Another one of those who started was youngster Colby Donovan.
Due to injuries in the right-back position, the right-back was handed his first senior start, making light work of it.
Technically, he was brilliant and offered a lot going forward too. At 19, his physical strength could do with some work but even then, he looks like a real player and one who can play a big part going forward.
Kelechi Iheanacho silences critics
After the madness of the transfer window, it’s fair to say that the arrival of Iheanacho wasn’t met with great furore.
Iheanacho thrived under Rodgers at Leicester City and when given an arm around the shoulder, will deliver.
That penalty may prove to be the most important goal of the season, and the Nigerian has proved he has plenty to offer.
Brendan Rodgers makes perfect substitutions
A big hat tip has to go to Rodgers for today. He made a number of changes to the starting XI, but also refreshed the squad with substitutions at the right time.
Luke McCowan provided fresh legs in the midfield, James Forrest looked more direct and took on his full back and Iheanacho scored the winner.
These were all thanks to the timing of the changes, and something that should rightfully be applauded.
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