Despite fan unrest and internal turmoil, Rodgers guided Celtic to a narrow victory against Kilmarnock, highlighted by a late penalty from Iheanacho and a standout performance from new winger Tounekti. The win provides temporary relief for the under-fire Celtic board, but underlying tensions remain.
Brendan Rodgers, despite swirling rumors of seeking an exit from Celtic, showcased a manager deeply invested in the game's ebb and flow during the final moments at Rugby Park. Kelechi Iheanacho's decisive penalty triggered a visible beam of relief and delight from Rodgers, marking the end of a turbulent week with a hard-fought victory against Kilmarnock amidst pouring rain.
The controversial penalty, resulting from a ricochet onto an arm at close range, ignited fury among Kilmarnock fans and management. Stuart Kettlewell cited pre-season guidance from the Scottish FA, suggesting such incidents would no longer warrant a penalty, adding fuel to the controversy.
As the final whistle blew, signaling Celtic's win, Rodgers may have pondered the relentless pressures of football management. This victory, however narrow, provided a temporary respite from the storm.
Prior to the match, Rodgers addressed the 'leak-gate' controversy, emphasizing his focus on uniting the team on the pitch. Despite criticisms of Celtic's strategic direction and accusations against the board, Rodgers aimed to navigate through internal strife.
Celtic's performance was initially lackluster, with only Sebastian Tounekti providing a spark of dynamism. His ability to bypass defenders and create opportunities offered a glimpse of the talent Celtic desperately needed.
Rodgers praised Tounekti as a player of immense potential, lamenting the team's prior lack of such dynamism. Tounekti's energy and work ethic stood out starkly on a challenging day in Kilmarnock, making him a beacon of hope for Celtic's attacking prowess.
As the game progressed, fan discontent grew, marked by darker chants and a new banner criticizing the board. However, Celtic's breakthrough goal momentarily lifted the mood, silencing calls for the board's dismissal. The goal, scored after nearly an hour of struggle, injected euphoria into the team and its supporters.
Rodgers had prepared substitutions, seeking to inject fresh energy into the game, and Daizen Maeda's headed goal from Marcelo Saracchi's cross momentarily transformed him from a potential substitute into a hero. However, Kilmarnock's swift equalizer reignited tensions, reminding Celtic of the fragility of their lead.
David Watson's late header for Killie was met with elation from the home fans and silence from a section of the Celtic support, hinting at underlying discontent.
Iheanacho's late penalty win altered the mood as he silenced doubters and secured a vital win for Celtic. The under-fire Celtic board hopes that a string of victories will quell dissent and widen the gap with Rangers. However, another 'sack the board' banner served as a reminder that fan anger remains potent.
The coming weeks will test the board's resilience as they navigate ongoing fan disapproval. For Rodgers and Celtic, Sunday's victory was about survival, a testament to the trust fans still place in the manager and the potential successor found in Tounekti.