2020-09-19: Celtic 3-2 Livingston, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2021 – 2022

Trivia

Saturday 3pm kick-off at Celtic Park
Celtic go top (temporarily) as Sevco to play the next day. Both are (before Sunday’s game) on 7 games 19pts +15GD.
- On Sunday: Sevco draw 1-1 with Hibs, so go back on top but Celtic now have a chance if Celtic win their game in hand to finally go ahead on points at the top of the table. Long way to go now.
- Celtic play Hibs next who are proving to be a tough ask. Sevco also finally concede goals.
Covid – so no fans at this match; game streamed to season ticket holders
McGregor’s 50th goal
Ajeti scores again.
Lennon cops it big time from the general support: baffled when the team is revealed (can’t figure out formation); performance is not great, Celtic went behind again, and various player are on the bench who should have been playing.
Edouard on the bench at start, Lennon says it’s due to tiredness. Cyncis says he’s for the off.
The match between Celtic and Hibs later this month could be used as test event for the return of crowds to football stadia.
Forrest v Forrest: Forrest plays against his brother for the first time, both were subbed on into the game at the same time.
Europe: Celtic’s had to wait to discover the Europa League third qualifying round opponents goes on after the clash between their potential foes was called off. Riga’s showdown with Tre Fiori was abandoned after it had already started due to poor weather and concerns over the safety of the stadium (parts of glass roofs supposedly fell on the pitch/stands). “Due to strong winds, the match was halted in the eighth minute to protect the safety of all persons involved in the game. After discussions involving the teams and local authorities, it was decided that the match would not resume on Thursday. Match rescheduled for 09:00 CET on Friday.”
Hundreds of Scottish miners convicted during 1984 strikes set to be cleared, according to recent report

Transfers
- Neil Lennon remains coy over any possible arrivals at Celtic before the transfer window shuts. Speaking after his side’s 2-1 win over St Mirren, admitted he would be happy with the squad at his disposal if no new players were brought in.
- Report claims Preston’s Ben Davies is likely to sign pre-contract with Celtic

Celtic are the club with the most ‘concrete interest’ in Genk left-back Jere Unonen according to reports in Italy. The Finland international is also attracting interest from Germany as well as Italy & Genk won’t let him leave easily.

Lennon dismissed reports that Kristoffer Ajer has been the subject of a £15m bid from AC Milan. “It is disappointing these stories come out as it can be unsettling for the player,” he said. “There is no truth in it and I thought he played very well. We are having to deal with all the speculation but I’m oblivious to most of it.”

Summary

(CU on Twitter)
Overall a good performance. Great in first half in particular. Folk want to calm down and enjoy their team. Goals from various areas of the pitch, unbeaten, top of league, a manager who is using his squad well – giving players games & getting his core 16 or so up to speed.

(Hullbhoy on Twittter)
Team announced – Moan Game played – Moan Win game – Moan Give us peace.

(TB on Twitter)
Lennon must get Brown out of Celtics starting eleven……the lads best days are long behind him & he is becoming a liability on the pitch for his team…..one mistake quickly follows another…..it’s time for Celtic to give him a coaching role & bring Turnbull into the team!!!

(Columbo 2 on KDS)

Better performance -could have done without the blockbuster shot leaving us to sweat in the last 10 mins.

We seem a bit accident prone just now at the back – that was a belter but the opposition is not having to work for their goals.

Taylor was ok and even set up a goal but we will bring another LB in – imagine if we could galvanise the left side

in the same way as Frimpong has done on the right side.

And while I am in fantasy mode – how different would the team look with a dynamic player anchoring the midfield who can play quick accurate passes

instead of Broony in his current form.

Mention for Ajeti – class finish and his early stats for shots per goal for Celtic must be fantastic.

Anyway – top of the league

Teams

Celtic

1Barkas
44Elhamed

Substituted forBittonat 74’minutes
4Duffy
35Ajer
30Frimpong
Substituted forForrestat 74’minutes
8Brown
21Ntcham
Substituted forTurnbullat 85’minutes
42McGregor
3Taylor
10Ajeti
Substituted forKlimalaat 79’minutesBooked at 90mins
17Christie
- Substituted forElyounoussiat 84’minutes

Substitutes

6Bitton
11Klimala
12Soro
14Turnbull
18Rogic
22Edouard
27Elyounoussi
29Bain
49Forrest

Goals

McGregor (20′ minutes), Christie (23′ minutes), Ajeti (52′ minutes)

Assissts:

Ajeti (20′ minutes), Taylor (23′ minutes), Christie (52′ minutes)

Livingston

1McCrorie
2Devlin
25Ambrose
27Guthrie
3Brown Substituted forForrestat 74’minutes
12Serrano
18Holt
6Bartley Substituted forPignatielloat 88’minutes
10SibbaldBooked at 50mins Substituted forRobinsonat 69’minutes
8Pittman
22Tiffoney Substituted forLokotschat 69’minutes

Substitutes

11Forrest
13Lokotsch
15Poplatnik
17Robinson
21McMillan
29Taylor-Sinclair
31Stryjek
33Lawson
39Pignatiello

Referee:

Gavin Duncan

Goals

Holt (16′ minutes pen), Serrano (78′ minutes)

Assists:

Holt (78′ minutes)

Ref:

Att:

Articles

Match Report (see below)

Pictures

Match Pictures

Match Links

Stats

Home Team Celtic

Away Team Livingston

Possession

Home72%

Away28%

Shots

Home17

Away7

Shots on Target

Home6

Away3

Corners

Home3

Away1

Fouls

Home8

Away11

Articles

Celtic urged to ‘tidy-up’ defending after Livingston scare

Parkhead side hit Premiership summit after unconvincing 3-2 victory

By Andrew Smith

Saturday, 19th September 2020, 10:18 pm

Updated

13 hours ago

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-urged-tidy-defending-after-livingston-scare-2977518

All would seem well in the Premiership world for Celtic. Top of the table after yesterday’s victory brought a fifth league win on the spin, the Scottish champions are unbeaten domestically across the entire span of 2020 as they continue their quest for an unprecedented tenth consecutive title. And yet, something isn’t quite right, something isn’t quite clicking for Neil Lennon’s men.

The fact there was a palpable relief that swept through the Celtic ranks when the final whistle sounded – despite the home side at one point holding a 3-1 advantage – said it all.

Celtic: Get the latest team news, match previews and reports

Lennon conceded to “a little bit of trepidation” in the final ten minutes as a consequence of Julien Serrano smearing a drive from fully 30 yards into the top corner to make it 3-2.

Yet, it was in the final second of four minutes added time that knees would have been knocking on the Celtic bench. A cross arced in from the left found 20-year-old debutant Carlos Pignatiello completely unmarked in the box. The midifleder, only subbed on in the 88th minute, fluffed his big moment, though, by trying to apply three headers at once with the result that he knocked the ball wide of a gaping goal.

It proved a let-off that Celtic shouldn’t have required. But once again Lennon’s men blew more hot and cold than a dodgy thermostat. There was fine play and exquisite goals. There were also unconvincing moments, with Lennon conceding that the concession of another penalty, to go one-behind after 16 minutes, spoke of a need to “tidy-up” their defending.

There was little question that Kristoffer Ajer had his hand up and blocked a Scott Tiffoney cross when he slid in on the Livingston player. Celtic’s gripe was that seconds earlier referee Gavin Ducan had waved away appeals for the ball striking Ciaron Brown’s arm when Ryan Christie had bobbed his way through the area to fashion a shooting opportunity. Jason Holt’s successful conversion – despite Vasilis Barkas getting a hand to the spot-kick – sparked a devastating response from Celtic in which the excellent Callum McGregor was central. Stepping off the left he produced a thunderous angled drive that beat Robby McCrorie via a deflection off Nicky Devlin, the midfielder’s 50th goal for the club.

Within 90 seconds, Celtic had doubled their tally. Greg Taylor combined with McGregor, who released the wing-back down the left for him to slide the ball along the six-yard line where Christie was on hand to tuck it away.

The pick of Celtic’s strikes was undoubtedly their 52nd minute third, which appeared to have put the outcome beyond doubt.

Olivier Ntcham burst through the middle before moving the ball on to Christie. He in turn fed Albian Ajeti who, without breaking stride, arrowed an effort into a space at the near post that didn’t seem to exist. With the strange absence of a too-tired Odsonne Eduoard yesterday, Celtic are fortunate that the £4.5m signing from West Ham appears to be a forward they can rely on to find the net. Four goals have been the product of only five league appearances. With inevitable question marks over the future of Eduoard, Celtic could need to depend on Ajeti going on as he has started his career in Scotland.

“Every striker in this squad can score goals. Sometimes it’s me, or it’s Odsonne or Klimala – we can all score,” said the Swiss international.

“For Odsonne and myself, it’s just important that the team is first. We just want to win, it doesn’t matter who scores the goals. I expect to score goals. But my first aim in every game is to try and help the team win. If I can score to help them, even better. I’ve never had a problem with my own confidence. The season is still in the beginning, there’s still a long way to go. But of course, for us it’s good to be top of the table with Rangers. We’ll take it game by game, we took a great step today and I’m happy that we’re top.”

That contentment was shared by his manager Lennon, despite some obvious downsides. “I thought the performance was better,” he said of the follow-up to the recent wins over St Mirren and Ross County.

“I would have liked a few more goals but the three we scored were brilliant. The reaction to going a goal down was really good and I was pleased. We are in a good position now at the top of the league and it is a big week for us.

“We still have a bit of work to do and we are missing the fans. We scored three cracking goals and there was nothing. It is a little bit different. Overall I am pleased to be top of the league.”

BBC

By Andy CampbellBBC Sport Scotland

Last updated on

Less than a minute agoLess than a minute ago.From the section Scottish Premiership

Ryan Christie scores

Ryan Christie’s third goal of the season put Celtic in front

Celtic “made life hard” for themselves in the 3-2 win over Livingston, says manager Neil Lennon.

The champions led 3-1 in Glasgow through Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie and Albian Ajeti.

But Julien Serrano’s strike reduced the deficit for Livi, who had gone in front through Jason Holt’s penalty.

“Good strike from Serrano but we should’ve dealt with it early,” said Lennon, whose side went top of the table on goals scored.

“I thought we could’ve had a penalty quite easily and it’s debatable whether Livingston’s is a penalty. We reacted very well, we scored two brilliant goals. And then with the third goal, you’re thinking, ‘3-1, we’re very, very comfortable in the game, in control’.

“We made life hard for ourselves in the last 10 minutes by giving away a poor goal.”

Reaction & as it happened

How did the players rate?

The story of the first half was encapsulated in a frantic eight-minute spell during which both sides had penalty claims and found the net.

Christie was convinced he should have been awarded a spot-kick for handball after his effort was blocked by Ciaron Brown.

Within seconds, Livi were up the other end with Scott Tiffoney’s cross cut out by Kristoffer Ajer’s hand and this time referee Gavin Duncan did point to the spot. Holt netted his first Livingston goal.

The visitors would have been expecting a reaction and their lead lasted only four minutes as Ajeti teed up McGregor for his first of the season, a deflection taking the flight of the ball out of Robby McCrorie’s reach.

McGregor and Greg Taylor combined on the left to set up Christie to turn in Celtic’s second from close range moments later.

A third goal always seemed likely for the champions and it came to pass when Christie’s subtle but effective through ball was swept in by Ajeti.

French full-back Serrano was afforded too much space as he took down a bouncing ball and took full advantage with a powerful drive into the top left corner.

And there was a nervous moment for the hosts in added time when substitute Carlo Pignatiello headed Alan Forrest’s cross wide.

Man of the match – Callum McGregor

Callum McGregor scores

McGregor was a driving force for the hosts and was involved in two of their goals

What did we learn?

Lennon has stated his desire to play 3-5-2 and his line-up against Livi was perhaps the purest form of it with Jeremie Frimpong and Taylor taking up the wide positions and Christie pushed up front with Ajeti.

Going forward on the left it was successful, particularly with the second goal, but Celtic were less potent on the right and gave up more chances than usual at the back, with injured Christopher Jullien not making the squad.

With Odsonne Edouard rested on the bench, Ajeti was given the chance to lead the line and provided a goal and an assist.

Plaudits but no points for Livi but they would much prefer points after registering one win and two draws from their opening eight games.

What did they say?

Celtic ‘actively looking’ in transfer market – Lennon

Celtic manager Neil Lennon: “I’m happy we’re creating the chances. We scored three really good goals today, it could’ve been more.

“Conceded another penalty, which is really frustrating. We need to tidy up on a few things defensively.”

Livingston head coach Gary Holt: “Probably frustrated that we’ve come here, played so well and conceded some soft goals. When we get back to 3-2, we had them rattled.

“The second goal is offside for them. Taylor’s offside. That’s the sticking one for us. That’s the decision that you need to go your way. It’s a sore one.”

Holt questions second Celtic goal as Livi lose

What’s next?

Celtic take on Riga in Latvia in Thursday’s Europa League third qualifying round tie and return to domestic action next Sunday at home to Hibernian. Livi host St Johnstone next Saturday.

Match ends, Celtic 3, Livingston 2.

90’+5′

Full Time

Second Half ends, Celtic 3, Livingston 2.

90’+4′

Post update

Attempt missed. Carlo Pignatiello (Livingston) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Alan Forrest with a cross.

90′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Jason Holt (Livingston) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Scott Robinson.

90′

Post update

Attempt missed. Efe Ambrose (Livingston) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Scott Pittman following a set piece situation.

90′

Booking

Patryk Klimala (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

89′

Post update

Foul by Patryk Klimala (Celtic).

89′

Post update

Jason Holt (Livingston) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

88′

Substitution

Substitution, Livingston. Carlo Pignatiello replaces Marvin Bartley.

86′

Post update

Attempt missed. Shane Duffy (Celtic) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by David Turnbull with a cross following a corner.

85′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Alan Forrest.

85′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. David Turnbull replaces Olivier Ntcham.

84′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Mohamed Elyounoussi replaces Ryan Christie.

81′

Post update

Offside, Livingston. Nicky Devlin tries a through ball, but Alan Forrest is caught offside.

79′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Patryk Klimala replaces Albian Ajeti.

79′

Post update

Albian Ajeti (Celtic).

79′

Post update

Scott Pittman (Livingston) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

78′

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 3, Livingston 2. Julien Serrano (Livingston) left footed shot from outside the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Jason Holt.

77′

Post update

Offside, Celtic. Greg Taylor tries a through ball, but Albian Ajeti is caught offside.

77′

Post update

Albian Ajeti (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

77′

Post update

Foul by Efe Ambrose (Livingston).

76′

Post update

Foul by Shane Duffy (Celtic).

76′

Post update

Jon Guthrie (Livingston) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

75′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Julien Serrano.

75′

Post update

Attempt missed. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Callum McGregor.

74′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Nir Bitton replaces Hatem Elhamed.

74′

Substitution

Substitution, Livingston. Alan Forrest replaces Ciaron Brown.

74′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. James Forrest replaces Jeremie Frimpong.

73′

Post update

Attempt missed. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Callum McGregor.

71′

Post update

Attempt missed. Jeremie Frimpong (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Olivier Ntcham.

70′

Post update

Hatem Elhamed (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

70′

Post update

Foul by Julien Serrano (Livingston).

69′

Substitution

Substitution, Livingston. Scott Robinson replaces Craig Sibbald.

69′

Substitution

Substitution, Livingston. Lars Lokotsch replaces Scott Tiffoney.

68′

Post update

Attempt saved. Jeremie Frimpong (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Callum McGregor.

65′

Post update

Foul by Albian Ajeti (Celtic).

65′

Post update

Marvin Bartley (Livingston) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

64′

Post update

Ryan Christie (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

64′

Post update

Foul by Efe Ambrose (Livingston).

60′

Post update

Attempt missed. Shane Duffy (Celtic) header from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Ryan Christie with a cross following a corner.

60′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Craig Sibbald.

57′

Post update

Foul by Shane Duffy (Celtic).

57′

Post update

Nicky Devlin (Livingston) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

56′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Albian Ajeti (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Ryan Christie.

55′

Post update

Offside, Celtic. Ryan Christie tries a through ball, but Kristoffer Ajer is caught offside.

55′

Post update

Ryan Christie (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

55′

Post update

Foul by Efe Ambrose (Livingston).

52′

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 3, Livingston 1. Albian Ajeti (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ryan Christie.

50′

Booking

Craig Sibbald (Livingston) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

50′

Post update

Ryan Christie (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

50′

Post update

Foul by Craig Sibbald (Livingston).

49′

Post update

Greg Taylor (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

49′

Post update

Foul by Nicky Devlin (Livingston).

Second Half

Second Half begins Celtic 2, Livingston 1.

45’+1′

Half Time

First Half ends, Celtic 2, Livingston 1.

41′

Post update

Corner, Livingston. Conceded by Greg Taylor.

36′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Olivier Ntcham (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

36′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Ryan Christie (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Jeremie Frimpong.

30′

Post update

Offside, Livingston. Julien Serrano tries a through ball, but Nicky Devlin is caught offside.

30′

Post update

Foul by Jeremie Frimpong (Celtic).

30′

Post update

Julien Serrano (Livingston) wins a free kick on the left wing.

28′

Post update

Olivier Ntcham (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.

28′

Post update

Foul by Julien Serrano (Livingston).

26′

Post update

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

26′

Post update

Foul by Scott Tiffoney (Livingston).

24′

Post update

Attempt saved. Scott Tiffoney (Livingston) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ciaron Brown.

23′

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 2, Livingston 1. Ryan Christie (Celtic) left footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Greg Taylor.

22′

Post update

Greg Taylor (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

22′

Post update

Foul by Jason Holt (Livingston).

20′

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 1, Livingston 1. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Albian Ajeti.

19′

Post update

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

19′

Post update

Foul by Jason Holt (Livingston).

18′

Post update

Attempt saved. Albian Ajeti (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Olivier Ntcham with a cross.

16′

Post update

Goal! Celtic 0, Livingston 1. Jason Holt (Livingston) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.

16′

Post update

Penalty conceded by Kristoffer Ajer (Celtic) with a hand ball in the penalty area.

15′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Ryan Christie (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is blocked.

15′

Post update

Attempt saved. Greg Taylor (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

13′

Post update

Attempt missed. Ryan Christie (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high from a direct free kick.

12′

Post update

Albian Ajeti (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

12′

Post update

Foul by Jon Guthrie (Livingston).

7′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Jason Holt (Livingston) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Scott Tiffoney.

6′

Post update

Foul by Olivier Ntcham (Celtic).

6′

Post update

Marvin Bartley (Livingston) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

5′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Olivier Ntcham (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Greg Taylor.

Kick Off

First Half begins.

Posted at 16:08 19 Sep16:08 19 Sep

Post update

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

…