Celtic player ratings vs Kilmarnock: First-half goal blitz including two stunners as Hoops move to brink of title

Rampant Celtic produced a sublime first-half goal blitz to rout relegation-threatened Kilmarnock 5-1 at Parkhead and move on to the brink of clinching their fourth successive Scottish Premiership title.

Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers demanded an emphatic response from his players following their surprise defeat at basement club St Johnstone in Perth last weekend, and they duly delivered with four goals in the first 25 minutes killing this game as a contest.

The champions-elect didn’t get out of cruise control in front of a party atmosphere and were smelling blood from the first whistle.

A stunning long-range thunderbolt from Reo Hatate got the ball rolling after just nine minutes when the Japanese midfielder cut in off the left-hand side before linking with Greg Taylor and unleashing a fizzing effort beyond visiting keeper Kieran O’Hara.

Daizen Maeda added a quickfire second - his 31st of the campaign - two minutes later after a defensive error from Lewis Mayo. Centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers got in on the act with arguably the sweetest strike of the match, drilling home a goal of the season contender from 25-yards after being afforded acres of space.

The floodgates had opened and Killie’s defensive woes continued as Hatate notched a brace after 24 minutes following an excellent one-touch passing move.

It was getting pretty ugly for the visitors, but they managed to pull a fortuitous goal back through Danny Armstrong’s cross-cum-shot just shy of the half hour mark - but it was only to prove a consolation. Maeda then had a goal disallowed for offside before half-time.

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Celtic took their foot off the gas after the break but they still threatened a cricket score with the crossbar denying Arne Engels a fifth midway through the second period.

It took until deep into stoppage time for substitute Anthony Ralston to slam home an angled drive past the helpless O’Hara and wrap up a commanding win, batting the pressure back on their Glasgow rivals who must avoid defeat against Aberdeen at Pittodrie tomorrow or risk losing the title before the split.

Over to you Rangers...

Here, GlasgowWorld looks at how the Celtic players at Parkhead, according to WhoScored.com.

GK: Viljami Sinisalo - 6.0/10

Will be gutted not to register a clean sheet after being caught out by Armstrong goal. Had very little to do throughout.

RB: Alistair Johnston - 7.1/10

Supplied the cross for Maeda to tap home at the back post for Celtic’s second goal. Got forward to brilliant effect. Subbed.

CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers - 8.1/10

Outstanding. Scored one of the best goals you’re likely to see this season with a thunderbolt from distance. Not tested defensively.

CB: Liam Scales - 7.5/10

Provided an assists. Involved in much of the play. A few stray passes but solid overall.

LB: Greg Taylor - 6.6/10

Might be heading for the exit door this summer, but still looks committed to the cause. Excelled in an inverted full-back role, posing a real attacking threat. Subbed.

CM: Callum McGregor - 7.7/10

Stroll in the park for the skipper. Bossed the midfield battle and went about his business to a high standard without doing anything too flashy.

CM: Arne Engels - 7.0/10

Not at the level of his two fellow central midfielder but helped link the play effectively.

CM: Reo Hatate - 9.1/10

Bagged a double, the first of which was a tremendous curling strike from distance. Added a second with a composed finish into the bottom corner. This was Hatate at his very best.

LW: Daizen Maeda - 8.0/10

Continues to churn out performances to a high level. His clever movement caused huge problems for the Killie rearguard. Tapped home from just a few yards out and had another chalked off. Subbed.

RW: James Forrest - 6.7/10

Aiming to build on an impressive cameo at St Johnstone, the veteran winger looked hungry from the outset. Involved in a lot of positive play in the final third. Subbed.

CF: Adam Idah - 6.6/10

A big chance to prove he deserves to start in the No.9 position, but wasn’t able to produce the type of performance fans were hoping for. Failed to get on the scoresheet. Subbed.

Subs used: Jeffrey Schlupp (6.4), Jota (6.2), Nicolas Kuhn (6.3), Anthony Ralston (7.4), Luke McCowan (6.2).