John Hartson explains why Celtic’s hard-fought victory over Kilmarnock last week could be a season-defining event.

John Hartson explains why Celtic’s hard-fought victory over Kilmarnock last week could be a season-defining event. The Bhoys secured their position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership by defeating Kilmarnock in a gritty manner last weekend, as they concluded their international break.

The Bhoys were able to withstand the sustained pressure at Rugby Park, as Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn secured three crucial points on the other side.Supporters would have been quick to commend Celtic for not falling into the traps Derek McInnes set out, given that their

victory over Kilmarnock occurred following their midweek exploits against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, which put the reigning champions at risk of suffering a European hangover. After departing from the Scottish Premiership summit, the Bhoys will require a comparable level of effort when they visit Tynecastle to play Heart of Midlothian next weekend.

John Hartson has emphasised that Celtic’s victory in Ayrshire could conceivably represent more than just three points on the board, prior to the intensity of the build-up to the capital clash.

John Hartson on Celtic’s “ugly” victory over Kilmarnock In an interview with the Go Radio Football Show, Hartson expressed his conviction that Celtic’s “ugly” victory over Kilmarnock could be a game the Bhoys reflect on at the conclusion of the season. He believes that victories achieved during periods of hardship are crucial in the pursuit of title triumph.

He elaborated, “Kilmarnock’s name is now held in high regard.” They have not begun this season as well as Derek McInnes would have preferred, but you are now aware of this when you visit Kilmarnock, following the events of the previous season.You must engage in defensive combat, hurl bodies, and mount a robust defence. They possess two substantial centre forwards.

They launch the ball down the sides, kick it in-behind, and have strong wingers who chase the ball and press you. The audience rallies behind them, as they have faith in themselves and in the team. “Celtic had to anticipate a challenging match at the venue, and they did. As a result, they secured a 2-0 victory, a clean sheet, and three points.”

“Occasionally, it is necessary to accept an unattractive victory, as Brendan Rodgers said.” The title is yours if you play these games. You are required to endure an unappealing performance in order to earn the three points. Done, in the bag, SAS, make your exit.

Celtic executed the necessary actions in their match against Kilmarnock. Celtic’s triumph at Rugby Park may not have been the most visually appealing, but each victory at this juncture of the campaign is significant, regardless of the manner in which it was achieved.

The Bhoys were not inherently appalling; they simply encountered an obstinate opponent with a successful strategy.

However, their excellence ultimately prevailed, despite Kilmarnock’s failure to capitalise on their own opportunities. Given that the game was played on an artificial surface, it is undeniable that it served as a leveller of some sort.

Nevertheless, Celtic’s propensity for achieving hard-fought victories in challenging circumstances distinguishes them from their peers in Scotland.