Ange Postecoglou purrs over Celtic's Sunday best as slick stars march on without Killie pitch 'clutch'

Ange Postecolgou reckons ton-up Celtic played their best football of the year during their first-half blitz at Kilmarnock.

And the boss is thrilled his side are sprinting at full speed for the finishing line in the title race. Postecoglou’s side ripped apart Derek McInnes’ team in a blistering opening burst at Rugby Park as they smashed through the century mark for Premiership goals this term. Two goals from Matt O’Riley added to strikes from Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda moved them into 102 for the top-flight term and also 12 points clear again in the charge for the flag. Kyogo also missed a penalty during that savage beginning which had the manager purring.

Postecoglou said: “First half, the boys were outstanding. It was some of the best football we’ve played all year with the way we moved the ball and ourselves around the pitch. After last week’s win [over Rangers] you’re looking at where the focus is, but it was important we started with a good intent. IIt shows there’s a real good understanding within the group of the kind of team we want to be.

“You can talk in cliches about taking every game as they come, but they handled it in a responsible manner. The guys coming in helped. We brought players into a team doing well. They have got motivation, they want to perform well and it gives everyone a lift.”

Postecoglou admitted there were some sloppy parts after the restart, but, overall, the desire to produce a strong finish in the run for the trophy is just as he plans it. Celtic are still in line for a European top-flight points record if they finish with six more league wins. Asked about his team’s desire to sprint to glory, Postecoglou said: “I think so, and it is important, because in a perfect world, you design