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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Will Lancaster

Celtic player ratings vs Livingston as Hoops roar against lost Lions as Maeda and Taylor impress

Celtic kept Rangers at an arms' length once again in the Scottish Premiership as they stormed to their 22nd win in 24 league games with a 3-0 win over Livingston.

The Hoops set off magnificently and were straight out of the blocks; when Jota missed a glaring opportunity in the tenth minute, it warned Livi that they were going to be under the cosh throughout. That deadlock was broken after half an hour thanks to Greg Taylor's superb strike, and with Daizen Maeda's odd way of getting on the scoresheet and Kyogo's superb drive, Celtic were clear of the coast heading into the interval three goals up.

They toyed Livingston until then and whilst they could've had a couple more, the second period was all but a training session as they coasted to victory at the lowest of tempos. Glasgow Live takes a look at how each player fared on a routine night in the east end.

READ MORE: Joe Hart's four word Celtic send off to Oliver Abildgaard after transfer switch to Hellas Verona

Joe Hart - 6

Had absolutely nothing to do bar Livingston hitting the post just before the break. His first involvement was claiming a looped header into the box on 31 minutes - that says all you need to know.

Alistair Johnston - 7

It almost feels like Josip Juranovic is still at Celtic Park. The Canadian has fit into the role seamlessly and once again he was tireless up the right-flank.

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 6

Another dominating performance from the America international. Athletic and dealt with Bruce Anderson without breaking a sweat, though he was bereft of any involvement throughout due to Livingston's defensive setup.

Carl Starfelt - 5

The Swede's passing was slightly off in the first ten minutes and his stumble allowed Anderson to hit the post, but as per Carter-Vickers and Hart, Livingston offered no real threat so he was hardly called into action.

Greg Taylor - 8

Was mightily impressive in the final third, constantly overlapping to give Daizen Maeda an option and to create space for the Japanese star. Superb goal to open the scoring and defensively sound.

Matt O'Riley - 7

Kept play ticking and almost scored in the first half. Was slightly anonymous in terms of key chances created - until his ability to fashion a chance for Kyogo's goal proved his worth. Oozes class.

Callum McGregor - 7

The supercharged Scot was all over the pitch, winning tackles in his own half and supporting attacks at the other end all whilst being the lynchpin in the tempo-setting No. 6 role.

Reo Hatate - 6

Worked endlessly for his team-mates but was the midfielder who made the least influence for the hosts. His energy brings about mistakes in the opposition's build-up play and that cannot be overstated.

Jota - 6

Should have scored on the 10 minute mark with the goal gaping. Lively as ever and was unlucky not to score - he'll be kicking himself over his missed chances. Hooked on the hour.

Kyogo Furuhashi - 7

Got himself into superb positions, and was constantly a thorn in Livingston's side. Scored the best goal of the evening with a wonderful drive and finish on the stroke of half-time. Could and should have had a hat-trick within the space of 15 second-half minutes.

Daizen Maeda - 8

Was incredibly athletic - as per usual - and by far Celtic's best player in the opening 30 minutes. He slightly lacks the quality that Kyogo possesses in general in the wide forward-berth, but he was exceptional on the night. A slightly fortuitous second came from his work rate - you couldn't find a more Maeda goal if you tried.

Subs

Aaron Mooy - 5

Kept possession neatly as ever, arguably the most composed head in the Celtic midfield contingency.

Liel Abada - 5

Could have scored after neat build-up play from Daizen Maeda but wasn't to be. Came on when Celtic were already in cruise control.

David Turnbull - 4

Much needed minutes for the Scot who just can't break into the Hoops midfield at the minute.

Oh Hyeon-gyu - 2

Didn't have time to do much but more minutes in the bank for the new man and first taste of Parkhead.

Tomoki Iwata - 2

Came on for Callum McGregor with five to go.

READ NEXT:

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- Giorgos Giakoumakis Celtic transfer exit wait as move 'set' to be completed AFTER deadline

- We simulated Celtic vs Livingston to get a score prediction as Aaron Mooy continues fine run of form

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