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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Celtic player ratings vs Kilmarnock as Jota strikes and Reo Hatate shines in comfortable Parkhead win

Celtic have a twelve point advantage at the top of the table after their first victory at Celtic Park in the New Year, comfortably seeing past Kilmarnock by two goals to nil.

It was a quiet opening to proceedings at Celtic Park with Jota threatening early on but the away side penning in to frustrate Ange Postecoglou's men. The league leaders were loose in their possession before Killie clipped the crossbar and Kyogo netted but his counterpart Jota was offside.

The Portuguese struck just before the whistle after Daizen Maeda was set free on the left and the winger cut in to the six yard to roll the ball home with Kyogo also sliding in. In the second half, the Japanese forward moved with pace in the area to cut across to the near post as his nicked shot clipped off Ash Taylor to give the Hoops a cool two-goal advantage. Celtic continued to press Killie and were unlucky not to make it a trio of goals as all eyes are now on Hampden.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton fires Giorgos Giakoumakis warning as Celtic told to avoid 'huge mistake' in transfer claim

Joe Hart - 6

A small lapse in concentration but nothing to do otherwise.

Alexandro Bernabei - 6

A few loose passes but keen to get on the ball. Final ball still lacking it could be argued but his second half was better.

Carl Starfelt - 6

A nervy moment with Joe Hart was his only defensive blemish.

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 8

Swept up well early on and looked unrelenting. Had some pressure but didn't waiver.

Alistair Johnston - 7

Looked strong and commanding, a driving force for Celtic. Seems to have taken on Postecoglou mantra already.

Aaron Mooy - 7

Nice link-up in the midfield from the off. Great lofted balls to left and right on occasion. Replaced on the hour.

Reo Hatate - 9

A sublime eye for a pass shown by the opener and a good cross for Kyogo for the second. A good few efforts of his own. An all-round effortless showing.

Callum McGregor - 6

The Celtic captain couldn't dictate early on but grew in to the game. His defending was unquestionable.

Jota - 8

Playing off the right on his unfavoured side and a few missed chances. Offside for Kyogo's hit but made it up for it with his own before half time. A good showing and will give him confidence.

Daizen Maeda - 8

Another energetic start, looking to break the Killie rearguard, was the bright spark and a smart assist for Jota. A few more chances himself in the second half but no goal.

Kyogo - 8

Came to life in the box before the break but Jota was offside. A great front post run for second goal - he came alive. Replaced after 60.

Subs:

Giorgos Giakoumakis - 6

Looked eager to prove a point when he came on. Close with a header on two occasions before smacking the bar with a great effort.

Liel Abada - 5

As usual good energy off the bench.

Matt O'Riley - 5

Drew fouls well and saw the game out.

David Turnbull - 3

Saw the game out well.

James Forrest - 4

Went close off the woodwork in the final moments in an unbelievable miss.

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