Despite regaining momentum with successive emphatic victories, Celtic’s Sunday lunchtime fixture against new boys Livingston was meant to be challenging at Tony Macaroni Arena. The Lions made an incredible start since returning to top-tier including a commanding 1-0 win against heavyweights Rangers in West Lothian. Yet the champions were favourites to claim the top of the table spot securing a favourable outcome. Although they managed to outstrip Hearts to reach on top, the game finished scoreless as the hosts delivered an inspiring show to deny Rodgers’ juggernaut.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their scoreless draw against Livingston.
Scott Bain: 7
Started the game between the sticks in place of veteran Craig Gordon who missed the trip through a hip injury. Tipped over a couple of headers from Declan Gallagher in quick succession towards the end of the first half and was not troubled much in his quest of a clean sheet on the road.
Mikael Lustig: 7
A much better display from the veteran fullback who looked strong at the back and also threatened with overlapping runs to combine with James Forrest and whip in crosses from the right flank.
Dedryck Boyata: 7
Made some crucial blocks, clearances and interceptions. Did well to prevent the hosts from scoring who were looking lively early in the second half but should have done better to keep his header on target in the closing minutes of the game.
Kristoffer Ajer: 6.5
Did well to partner Boyata at the back with strong physical as well as aerial presence. However, his afternoon ended up in disappointment as he was forced to leave the pitch with yet another injury concern and got replaced by Filip Benkovic midway in the second half.
Kieran Tierney: 6
Made some decent runs forward, played smart one-twos with Scott Sinclair down the left to create chances inside the box. But the young fullback was not as effective as recent encounters and failed to leave an impact in the attacking third.
Callum McGregor: 6.5
A balanced outing from the Scotsman in the centre of the pitch who mostly confined his game to marshal the ‘back four’ and play it out wide and high up the pitch with long balls as well as ground passes.
Tom Rogic: 6.5
The Australian playmaker forced Liam Kelly to make a crucial stop late in the game which could have broken the deadlock. His other efforts, however, failed to hit the target as the game ended up in a futile draw.
Ryan Christie: 7.5
Christie, too, looked lively in midfield, created many chances, was close to scoring on a number of occasions but eventually failed to hit the net to make a difference.
James Forrest: 7
Came closest to breaking the deadlock as his effort hit the woodwork seconds before the half-time whistle and created some decent opportunities before being replaced by Lewis Morgan just over the hour mark.
Scott Sinclair: 6
Was purposeful from the left flank with cut insides, one-twos and link-up play but could not hit his efforts on target despite being close on a number of occasions.
Odsonne Edouard: 6
Did not have the ball much high up the pitch and could not threaten the Livi defence despite combining well with fellow attackers in and around the box.
Substitutes
Lewis Morgan: 6.5
Looked lively since coming on and forced Kelly to make a smart save minutes into his introduction.
Filip Benkovic: 6
Replaced injured Ajer midway in the second half. Kept things tidy at the back to secure a clean sheet.
