Joe Hart: The Celtic shot-stopper saved comfortably from Joel Nouble's volleyed effort inside eight minutes. It was his quick release that saw the Hoops keep possession in the middle of the park before it culminated in the opening goal. That apart he was well-protected by his defenders for most of the game and was rarely troubled. 7
Anthony Ralston: It was time for 'The Brickie' as the right-back replaced Josip Juranovic in the Hoops starting XI in a troublesome venue for the visitors in the past. He was involved in the excellent move that led to Kyogo opening the scoring when he fed Greg Taylor and it was the inverted full-back system working to a tee. He escaped a booking for leaving one on James Penrice and crashed a spectacular volleyed attempt wide of the target. He was absolutely solid throughout. 8
Cameron Carter-Vickers: The American won his first aerial duel with Joel Nouble in an intriguing battle for supremacy all afternoon. The two men pulled, hustled, and harried each other in what was a no quarter asked, no quarter given contest. It was a good old-fashioned football tussle of brute strength. He copped a booking for a tug on Nouble's jersey after 26 minutes. You couldn't keep your eyes off them. 8
Moritz Jenz: Like Carter-Vickers the German took it in turn to police the threat of Nouble. Both men took no prisoners as far as the Livi hitman was concerned. He offers an extra layer of composure and protection and really looks settled at the heart of the Celtic defence. He still takes the odd risk with his passing out from the back but he is learning to sharpen that part of his game. 8
Greg Taylor: He really is an early contender for Celtic's player of the year. The Scotland star tore the Livi defence asunder when he spotted Kyogo's movement and threaded a perfect pass through to the Japanese striker who did the rest. The full-back's execution of a pass at times is sublime and he knows his role in the team inside out. He marked his milestone 100th game with the crucial second with a howitzer from outside the box. 9
Aaron Mooy: The Australian midfielder has had chances to open his Celtic scoring account in recent matches and he passed up another golden opportunity in the 32nd minute when he lashed an effort wide of the post. If he had shown more composure he would have seen him burst the net but he always seemed to be there to link the play from middle to front. 8
Matt O'Riley: The Danish under-21 internationalist is still better deployed in a more advanced midfield role.Whilst he is coping admirably well in the deeper lying position in the absence of Callum McGregor he was on occasion dispossessed and that put his team under pressure. That said he still constantly probed and prompted away looking for the killer pass. 6
Reo Hatate: He played on the shoulder at all times and he was always looking to break the lines with a quick pass or burst of acceleration. There is no doubt that the Japanese midfielder possesses wonderful technique and skills and every now and then he drifted into proceedings but it was one of his quieter games for his club. 6
READ MORE: 3 Celtic talkers as Ange Postecoglou's side ease past Livingston in Scottish Premiership
James Forrest: A goalscorer on his last visit to West Lothian back in March the winger was handed an opportunity to try and replicate that feat. He dragged a shot inches wide of the post after some intricate and neat-up play by Aaron Mooy. He failed to cash in on Hamilton's mistake when he kicked it straight at him and he was caught in two minds about whether to pull the trigger or feed Kyogo and he did neither. 6
Kyogo Furuhashi: The West Lothian question was answered as the manager opted to restore Kyogo to his favoured position through the middle as he led the line. It took him less than 10 minutes to hammer his team in front with an explosive finish into the roof of the net after an exquisite pass from Greg Taylor. The talismanic goalscorer took his tally to nine goals for the season. He scooped another chance over the top not long after but his clever running and quick movement were causing the Lions' defence no end of problems as he proved he was back in the groove. 8
Sead Haksabanovic: "I still have some levels to reach. Hopefully, I can start helping the team with some points, assists and goals" were the words of the Montenegrin ahead of the Livingston clash. He appeared to accidentally kick Livingston goalkeeper Jack Hamilton in the head as he chased a through ball but escaped any punishment. He was desperate to be involved and saw a lot of the ball but couldn't turn it into either assists or goals. 6
Substitutes:
Liel Abada (Forrest 68): The Israeli wide man was given a quarter of the game to make an impact. 4
David Turnbull (O'Riley 68): Replaced O'Riley and gained much-needed minutes on his road back to full-match fitness and expertly set up Jota to make it 3-0. 5
Oliver Abildgaard (Hatate 80): The midfielder was handed a 10-minute cameo before the end with the points safely secure in the bag. 3
Jota (Haksabanovic 80): The Portuguese winger made his long-awaited return after a five-and-a-half game absence and marked it with a bang by claiming the third goal much to the delight of the visiting support. 5
Giorgos Giakoumakis (Kyogo 80): He was only on for 10 minutes but long enough to slam a lackadaisical VAR-given penalty off the post as he failed to claim goal number 26 for Celtic. 3
Substitutes not used: Benjamin Siegrist, Alexandro Bernabei, Daizen Maeda, Josip Juranovic.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel