Champions again as Celtic fly the flag to leave Rangers singing the blues – 5 talking points

It was sealed with a 5-0 romp away to Kilmarnock but, in truth, there were multiple signs Celtic's vice-like grip on the Scottish Premiership trophy would remain unbreakable WEEKS before their crowning evening in Ayrshire.

Last-gasp victories at Easter Road and Fir Park – something vexed Rangers fans have come to rue as Celtic time – plus a clutch of returning A-listers was a heady concoction which left their rivals on the deck. Celtic proved they had gears to shift through when it truly mattered. And a word the mastermind behind it in Brendan Rodgers, who made unjustified claims over the strength of his nerve from his doubters appear foolhardy.

It wasn't all plain-sailing but it was better than the rest...AGAIN. But this imperfect season which will be remembered for a rousing finish was headlined by Celtic's big-game bottle. Rangers' inability to defeat their rivals marked them as pretenders rather than bonafide contenders.

Winning is all that matters, of course, but Celtic produced a performance of pure verve and swagger to seal it at a venue they have now earned their crowning moment at four times in the 21st century. Adam Idah, take a bow, as the Norwich loanee wowed from kick-off. His predatory instincts were on show for the opener as he turned home Matt O'Riley's perfect cross. But a bloodied Robbie Deas believed the Irishman believed he was roughed up before the opener. Daizen Maeda – a cult hero who can also cut the open to shreds – got in on the act before he turned provider to tee up James Forrest to make it 3-0 after 35 minutes to wrap a bow on the title.

Celtic's football was thrilling but O'Riley's venomous shot to make it 4-0 summed up a player playing without limits. And his ice-cool finish to make it