Celtic overcame Rangers' title race message with an equally impressive performance of their own with a 3-0 win over a poor Livingston side at Celtic Park.
Chances were fashioned in the first half with Jota going close after 10 minutes with a strike that he should have buried with the goal gaping, but the signs were there that they would go 1-0 up early on. Ange Postecoglou's men would have to wait half an hour for the opener, but it was well worth the wait; Greg Taylor the man in question, picking up the ball and rifling home from the best part of 15 yards in a strike similar to Callum McGregor's last-gasp winner at Aberdeen in December.
Daizen Maeda then doubled the lead just two minutes later in a comedic goal - after pinball in the Livi box, he put his body on the line with the ball being blasted at him from six yards, beating Shamal George all ends up. Kyogo then made it three just before half-time, latching on to Matt O'Riley's long ball to rifle home after a driving run.
READ MORE: Joe Hart's four word Celtic send off to Oliver Abildgaard after transfer switch to Hellas Verona
Kyogo then hit the post early in the second half as the league leaders continued where they left off, and more goals were evidently on the way. Here's three things we learned from the Hoops' win over Livingston
Magnficent Maeda
Daizen Maeda is arguably one of the most tireless players in world football, make no mistake.
The Japan international continued that notion against Livingston, where he was by far and away the best player on the pitch in the opening half hour.
Creating chances and space whilst showing that top-notch intensity he always does without fail, he was rewarded with one of the most bizarre goals you are likely to see in a long time.
His movement for Kyogo's on the stroke of half-time was superb - dragging the second defender away with a smart run that allowed his fellow countryman to drive at Jack Fitzwater and finish smartly.
He's not the most talented of Jota, Liel Abada or Sead Haksabanovic in the wide berths, but his mentality, work-rate and determination is what is keeping him as Celtic's main threat at the moment.
Taylor top of the pops
The left side of the pitch was Celtic's main weapon today.
That isn't to say that Jota and Alistair Johnston weren't impressive, but Maeda and Taylor were the two shining lights on the night - with the latter massively impressing.
Question marks were looming over Taylor when it became apparent he was to be Kieran Tierney's replacement, but he has more than silenced his doubters.
His goal alleviated fears at Parkhead and lung-bursting runs, neat play in possession and ability to get round Maeda on the overlap opened avenues for either a pass or space for the winger to run in to.
He''s in the form of his life and has taken the signing of Alexandro Bernabei with no fear whatsoever. Steve Clarke will have selection headaches at this rate with Tierney being second choice at Arsenal and Andy Robertson entering turbulance at Liverpool.
Livi lacking
We have seen countless teams set up at Celtic Park with men behind the ball.
But Livingston took it to the extreme in what was a really disappointing performance from David Martindale's men.
Bruce Anderson was the lone striker up front, and his only chance came from a Carl Starfelt slip just after Maeda had made it 2-0.
For most of the match the Lions had eight men or more behind the ball and seemed to have no intention of attacking - which backfired with the hosts going into the break home and hosed.
They still occupy a European place and this result was never really in doubt given Celtic haven't lost at home.
But David Martindale's men got a 1-1 draw at Ibrox earlier this season by playing with more belief and that was not shown today despite the quality of their opponents.
READ NEXT:
- Giorgos Giakoumakis Celtic transfer exit wait as move 'set' to be completed AFTER deadline
