Killie defeat Aberdeen & Celtic - it doesn't get much better

‘Football, bloody hell’ – Sir Alex Ferguson said after his Manchester United team clinched the Champions League trophy in 1999 at the death from the jaws of defeat.

Quoting the great man was a must after the week we’ve all just had as Killie fans. Wow. Folks, it doesn’t get much better than that. Of course, winning the League Cup in 2012 or the Scottish Cup in 1997 stand alone in terms of moments in history, but the last seven days prove why it’s worth supporting this club.

Kicking off the festive period with a 1-0 home defeat to Hearts was disappointing. In fact, let’s be fair, it was a dreadful start to December given the club’s strong home record and over-reliance on picking up points at Rugby Park. When you factor in the fixtures that followed, you could be forgiven for thinking ‘s***’. What has followed though, has been truly sensational.

Last week I was very pessimistic in these ramblings as I previewed the trip to Aberdeen on Wednesday night. Like most, I just couldn’t foresee how Killie would get a result at Pittodrie, as much in my heart I always have a feeling my team can get something from every game. Derek McInnes named an unchanged line-up from the loss to Hearts which certainly raised a few eyebrows. However, the 52-year-old showed why he’s the manager with over 700 games under his belt. The balance was right and, in particular, defensively the team looked sound – something that couldn’t be said a few days prior.

Matty Kennedy came off the bench and made the desired impact. I know it’s been mentioned by some that he’s too good to be left out of the side. It wasn't necessarily a view I subscribed to, but I have since changed my mind and wholeheartedly agree. It was his tremendous ability to beat his man in a one-on-one situation that allowed him a yard to cross the ball for David Watson.

The teenager took the best first touch you’re likely to see from a Killie player all season and fired home with a powerful effort beyond Kelle Roos. A moment to remember for the midfielder who recently extended his contract until 2026. He was all over Graeme Shinnie and stopped him from dictating the game. There’s no doubt Killie should be looking at a record transfer fee for the Prestwick Pirlo when the time is right.

So, with the illusive away victory finally off the team’s back, it was on to Celtic. A game that was anticipated with much dread was then looked upon with a glimmer of hope. After all, Killie is the only team to defeat Celtic domestically this season.

And Ayrshire’s No.1 would come up trumps again with a performance for the ages. Mark my words, Sunday’s game will be remembered for decades to come. Killie have had some memorable days against both of the Old Firm in recent years, stretching back to the budding days of Steve Clarke’s tenure and before. Some are harked back to more than others, but that on Sunday was on a different level.

To come from behind against the reigning champions and all of the highly expensive players littered throughout their squad, wow. I know I’m repeating myself but it’s worth it. A timely reminder that from figures published from the 2021/22 season, Killie’s turnover was £3.7m. Celtic’s was £88.2m. Yes, you read that correctly.

Usually, when a ‘provincial’ club gets a result against either half of Glasgow it’s imperative to strike first. Matt O’Riley’s opener put paid to that, and it looked like it could be a long afternoon for Killie after 30 minutes. Danny Armstrong struck the bar just moments prior to the cruel sucker punch before Corrie Ndaba conspired to somehow miss from six yards out. VAR should have checked Alistair Johnston’s block to recognise the Canadian international used his arm to deflect the shot away from the goal. Regardless, the left-back really ought to have scored.

READ MORE: The statistic that debunks any doubts over Kilmarnock's Danny Armstrong

Thankfully though, a second-half stormer meant a potential moment of controversy was an irrelevance. I’ve never felt so comfortable watching Killie play Celtic. You would think it was Killie who had millions of pounds worth of players on the pitch. The aggression in the side spooked Celtic. They looked shocked to the point where it seemed they were left bemoaning the fact that Killie dared to push them high up the field, keep them penned in their own half and simply got stuck right in.

Every single player in the second 45 was at least a nine out of 10. Liam Polworth’s pass to start off the move for the winner, oaft. McInnes’ tactical tweak to put him in the ‘passer’ role and shift Brad Lyons to trigger the press worked a treat. Amazingly, Kennedy’s dink over Joe Hart was his first goal for Killie 12 years after he made his debut. A moment to behold for the players, the coaches and the fans. The close-up footage shared by the club of the celebrations after the goal and at full-time highlights how special a day it was.

The next challenge is to ensure the feel-good factor doesn’t evaporate at Livingston. I’m backing the team to make it three wins on the trot.