Derek McInnes makes incredible Celtic vs Kilmarnock claim

Going into last weekend’s game against Kilmarnock, many fans believed that it could prove to be a tricky test for Celtic. A lot was made of the artificial pitch at Rugby Park, and over the years, the Hoops have not had a great record on such surfaces. And it does not especially suit them now, with the style of football that they play under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

It was all a worry about nothing though. While the conditions left a lot to be desired, Celtic managed to get a 5-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, with five different goal scorers on the day, in the form of Kyogo, Jota, Moritz Jenz, Carl Starfelt and Giorgos Giakoumakis.

It was complete domination. Jota scored a stunning strike from distance, arguably better than his opening day wondergoal vs Aberdeen. On the other hand, both Jenz and Giakoumakis found the back of the net with overhead kicks.

Kilmarnock manager, Derek McInnes, does not appear to believe though that most, if not all, of the goals were down to Celtic’s quality. As reported by The Scottish Sun [17/08 print edition, page 49] (via 67 Hail Hail), he said:

"“Three of the goals were in the six-yard box and other than maybe the overhead kick from Giakoumakis, none of the goals is down to the quality of Celtic.“Yes, the probe and ask the questions, they keep the pressure on, their speed and intensity are admirable and difficult to contain, but when we analyse the five goals, maybe only that one – and even that was avoidable in the second phase.“We can’t just brush it under the carpet, there’s stuff we need to analyse and get better at.”"

McInnes makes incredible claim about Celtic’s goals vs Kilmarnock

Starfelt’s goal was certainly a scrappy effort and perhaps the goalkeeper could have done better with Jota’s strike, although it had incredible power behind it and that is a huge quality in itself.

On the other hand, it is hard to see how the goals from Kyogo, Jenz and Giakoumakis, were not down to Celtic’s quality, both collective and individual.

Yes, theoretically, every goal is avoidable. But then, there would be no goals in football at all. As a result, McInnes’ claim is incredible, especially since Kilmarnock lost by a 5-0 scoreline, not a goal or two.

Celtic’s next game is expected to be a much tougher test, against Hearts. On the other hand, Kilmarnock will come up against Ross County.