Celtic set Opta record in 5-1 Kilmarnock win Celtic smashed an Opta record with a dominant 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, generating 5.6 expected goals (xG) in a single Premiership match for the first time since records began in 2019/20. The Hoops have now scored five goals inside the opening two minutes of league games this season, more than any other side in the division. Kilmarnock, who finished 11th in the 2025 Premiership with 28 points (6W-10D-17L), are on a five-game winning run heading into the new campaign. Their last result was a 4-1 win over Livingston on May 17, 2026. ## What happened? Celtic opened the scoring after just 65 seconds through Kasper Høgh, setting the tone for a ruthless display. The visitors produced a far more aggressive attacking performance than their narrow 1-0 win over Dundee on the opening day. Opta’s data revealed Celtic’s 5.6 xG total was their highest in a single Premiership fixture since records began. The numbers underline the significant improvement demanded by manager Martin O’Neill, who called for a “big improvement” after the Dundee win. ## Why it matters for Kilmarnock Kilmarnock’s defensive struggles were exposed as they conceded five goals for the second time this season. The Ayrshire side have scored 37 goals and conceded 65 in the 2025 campaign, finishing 42 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian. The defeat leaves Kilmarnock with work to do ahead of their next fixture, as they look to build on their recent form of five consecutive wins. ## What comes next? Kilmarnock will aim to bounce back from this heavy defeat when they face their next Premiership opponents. With a five-game winning run behind them, they will look to regain their momentum and improve defensively.