After a disappointing few matches, Celtic needed a solid match against Livingston. Unfortunately, Livingston is tough opponent at home as the Hoops took a draw.
Celtic started the game well with a decent strike from Callum McGregor past a flailing McCrorie in goals which helped settle the Hoops down. It was Interesting to see Mohamed Elyounoussi in for Leigh Griffiths. Did that work? Elyounoussi is undoubtedly a great player and it’s good to try different approaches to games, but the Odsonne Edouard/Griffiths partnership was looking good and appears a better option for the long-term.
The equaliser from Livingston was very direct and effective, a long throw into the box. Forster should have done much better to clear. But, was he Impeded a bit? Perhaps a foul, probably not, but he needs to be stronger and usually is.
Livingston’s second goal after half time was a shocker. Well fought and taken but it brought back the horrors of the Copenhagen game in the way we let Dykes win the ball and get through. Christopher Jullien then took his turn to make the slip up. The defender looked horrified at the time, and he’ll not feel any better when he sees it again later.
Celtic were unsettled for a while but then got back into the game with long spells of constant pressure on the Livingston defence. They struggled to make too many clear-cut chances and were unlucky with those they did get. Bringing on Jeremie Frimpong on the right and switching Forrest to the left paid dividends. Celtic were much more effective and James Forrest showed Greg Taylor how to play decent balls into the box.
A late injury time equaliser was probably deserved and very typical of Celtic pressing to the very end. A terrific run and cut back from Edouard gave Tom Rogic a perfect chance which he took and secured a point. As it happens with results elsewhere i.e. a Rangers loss, it was still a very valuable point. A hard night’s work but the Hoops edged a point further ahead in the league title race.
Celtic made their fans sweat and had them worried, but at least avoided the defeat. On the bright side, it was a fun game to watch. Celtic can and will do better, but in the end…Oh, what a night!