Celtic are a treat to watch when they are attacking, but the frailty at the back cost them severely on Thursday evening against Real Betis. The Hoops travelled to Almondvale this afternoon to lock horns with bottom-placed Livingston. The hosts were yet to win a league game this season prior to the tie and the hoodoo continues for the Bhoys against David Martindale’s men who script a surprise win banking on Andrew Shinnie’s solitary first-half strike.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their shocking defeat against Livingston.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Could have done nothing to prevent Shinnie’s strike but saved his side from further humiliation with a couple of massive stops.
Josip Juranovic: 6
Featured from his usual right fullback role. Should have done better to stop Jackson Longridge’s cross that led to Shinnie’s goal. Made some overlapping runs and whipped in crosses and long balls down the wide.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 6.5
Won the most number of duels during the game as he impressed with his aerial and physical presence. Much improved display from the American after a frantic midweek outing against Real Betis.
Stephen Welsh: 5.5
Was completely outmuscled by Shinnie before finding the net. Was handed a start in place of Carl Starfelt, but the youngster failed to grab the opportunity despite a few blocks and recoveries. Made way for Nir Bitton around the 72nd-minute mark.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo: 6.5
A surprise start for the outcast left-back who tried his best to make it count. Kept on making overlapping runs, whipped in crosses, linked up well with Jota down the left-hand flank. Should have offered more accuracy with the final balls.
James McCarthy: 6
Nothing exceptional from the Irishman. Not effective enough with his tackles, could not break down the hosts when they were staging counter-attacking threats. Made way for Ismaila Soro midway through the second half.
Tom Rogic: 7
Completed the most number of dribbles, also saw a couple of goal-bound efforts blocked. Was running out of ideas in the attacking third. Was replaced by Michael Johnston midway through the second half.
David Turnbull: 7.5
Kept on creating chances for the attackers, worked hard to carry the ball forward and open up space with smart one-twos and link-up football. Was denied by Maksymilian Stryjek in Livi goal on a number of occasions.
Liel Abada: 6
Returned to action this afternoon after missing the Betis game due to religious reasons. Did not pose much threat from the right-hand flank as he kept on losing duels against the headstrong Livingston defenders.
Filipe Jota: 7
Had some lively moments down the left. His crosses were menacing at times, but the final ball let the Portuguese down in spite of showing glimpses of his excellence once again.
Albian Ajeti: 6
Did not have many touches as he was well contained by the home side. Failed to make a difference while leading the line.
Celtic Substitutes Vs Livingston
Ismaila Soro: 5.5
Could not offer enough technicality from the middle of the park.
Michael Johnston: 6
Returned from a long injury layoff. Needs more time to settle in.
Nir Bitton: 6
Created a few chances but could not turn things around in Celtic’s favour.
