Celtic travelled to Almondvale Stadium to take on Livingston hoping to go in the international break on a positive note. However, they succumbed to an unexpected 2-0 defeat on the day.
The Hoops looked decent, to begin with, but the turning point of the game came when Ryan Christie lunged towards Robbie Crawford and caught him high on the shin. It was a real madman kind of a challenge, and the Celtic player was rightfully shown the red card. Lennon’s men responded well after the red card, but Livingston too carried a threat. Both teams went in at the half time whistle at 0-0.
Robinson opened the scoring for Livingston early on in the second half with a smart finish. Celtic looked sluggish and disjointed in the second half, and Livingston managed to add more comfort to their lead as Dykes scored the second one as he lobbed Fraser Forster after being found by a long ball. Celtic were far from their best and Livingston deserved their three points.
Here is how Lennon’s men fared in a disappointing afternoon away from home.
Fraser Forster 5
Questionable positioning for Celtic’s second goal. However, one has to say that both the goals were well finished. Made a couple of straight forward saves apart from that.
Kristoffer Ajer 4
Went on a few marauding runs but lacked his usual composure at the back. Made a few wrong decisions and was caught on his heels more than once in the game.
Christopher Jullien 5
Celtic conceded two goals at the back and Jullien might have to take some blame for it. Could have done better with his attempts on Livi’s goals.
Moritz Bauer 6
Looked lively while going forward and got in some good positions. Did alright at the back as well by tracking back.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo 5
Made some good forward runs when Celtic were playing with 11 men on the pitch. However, his attacking endeavour was curbed after that and he was subbed later on.
Scott Brown 4
Got involved in some physical battles but not enough quality on the ball from the captain. Could have done better defensively as well.
Callum McGregor 5
Started off strongly and played with energy by making some impressive runs and passes. Could have done better with some attempts on the opposition’s goal. Faded in the second half.
Mohamed Elyounoussi 6
Looked one of the better players in the attacking third as he made some clever runs and got in some good positions in the final third. Played a few incisive passes as well.
Ryan Christie 1
Will have to take a lot of blame for Celtic’s first domestic loss this season as he proved a liability by getting himself sent off for a horror challenge before the half-hour mark.
James Forrest 3
The Scotsman had one of those games where he was hardly visible for the Hoops. Had a few decent chances but he failed to test the goalkeeper.
Odsonne Edouard 5
Had a decent number of attempts on Livi’s goals but wasn’t able to pierce their defence. Made some smart runs and occupied the defenders. Lacked his cutting edge in the final third.
Substitutes
Vakoun Issouf Bayo 4
Was hardly able to conjure up anything meaningful in the final third.
Jonny Hayes 5
Provided some fresh legs and energy but wasn’t able to affect the game much.
Olivier Ntcham 5
Lennon should have probably started with a fresh midfielder in this tie after the midweek game. Ntcham did alright but Livi never really allowed him to get into dangerous areas.
