Kilmarnock fans rejoiced in midweek, as their win over Livingston took them top of the SPL.
It was their third win out of four, and fourth consecutive clean sheet in the league. However, their trip to Celtic Park today was always going to be a thorough examination of their title credentials.
It was a test they abjectly failed, as they suffered a demolition at the hands of Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Killie got off to a terrible start, when James Forrest opened the scoring for the hosts in the fifth minute. That action simultaneously signalled the opening of the floodgates.
Much of the good work done by Steve Clarke’s men over the last month, was undone by three further Celtic goals in the first half.
While Eamonn Brophy got one back from the spot after the interval, the hosts ran away eventual 5-1 winners.
Killie don’t represent a genuine threat
This afternoon’s result and the manner of the victory, confirms one important thing. Rangers are Celtic’s only viable competition for the league title.
Other teams have assembled decent squads and are capable of going on strong runs, as did Hearts in the opening weeks. However, no one else is on the same level as the Old Firm.
Celtic certainly put a marker down today and it is up to Rangers to follow suit in Dundee. While other sides may threaten on occasion, this is undoubtedly a two-horse race.
The end of the season may be a long way off, but Rangers need to state their intentions, with three points on the road tomorrow.
