Celtic 3-2 Livingston: the champions go to the top of the Scottish Premiership

Celtic rose to the top of the Scottish Premiership after stopping Livingston to send them to the foot of the table.

Callum McGregor’s deflected punch quickly leveled off and Ryan Christie edged out the hosts up front soon after.

Christie prepared Albian Ajeti early in the second period for Celtic’s third, but Julien Serrano’s impressive goal gave Livi hope.

And they could have leveled in overtime when Carlo Pignatiello was found by his substitute teammate Alan Forrest, but the midfielder nodded.

The story of the first half was summed up in a frenzied eight minute period during which both sides claimed penalties and found the net.

Christie was convinced he should have awarded a handball penalty after Ciaron Brown blocked his effort.

Within seconds, Livi was up the other side with a Scott Tiffoney cross cut off by Ajer’s hand and this time referee Gavin Duncan signaled the spot. Holt scored her first goal for Livingston.

The visitors expected a reaction and their lead lasted just four minutes when Ajeti set up McGregor for the first time this season, a deflection that took the flight of the ball out of Robby McCrorie’s reach.

McGregor and Greg Taylor combined left to set Christie up to convert Celtic’s second from close range moments later.

A third goal always seemed likely for the champions and it happened when Ajeti swept away a subtle but effective pass from Christie.

James Forrest and his brother on Livi’s rival bench, Alan, entered at the same time before Serrano reduced the visitors’ deficit.

The French winger was given too much space when he downed a bouncing ball and made the most of it with a powerful push to the upper left corner.

And there was a nervous moment for the hosts in added time when Pignatiello swerved from the goal.

Man of the match – Callum McGregor

What did we learn?

Lennon has expressed his desire to play 3-5-2 and his lineup against Livi was perhaps the purest form with Jeremie Frimpong and Taylor filling the open positions and Christie pushed forward with Ajeti.

Moving on the left was successful, particularly with the second goal, but Celtic were less powerful on the right and gave up more chances than usual from behind, with the injured Christopher Jullien not making the team.

With Odsonne Edouard resting on the bench, Ajeti had a chance to lead the line and provided a goal and an assist.

Applause but no points for Livi, but they would prefer points after posting a win and two draws in their first eight games.

Whats Next?

Celtic will face Riga in Latvia in Thursday’s Europa League third qualifying round tie and return to domestic action next Sunday at home to Hibernian. Livi hosts St Johnstone next Saturday.