3 talking points as Celtic serve up signature dish to restore title advantage over Rangers

Spectacular Celtic banished their Livingston blues to safe a signature win within the race in to turn out to be Scottish Premiership champions.

The league leaders had been dominant for lengthy spells en path to a 3-1 victory with Daizen Maeda, a Nicky Devlin personal aim and James Forrest strike restoring their three-point benefit over Rangers.

Any victory at a venue they have not tasted glory at in 15 years would have been devoured however the intent stamped all around the show bodes effectively amid their title ambitions.

Ange Postecoglou was rightly satisfied with the way in which his Celtic facet carried out from begin to end.

The pre-match smoke and thunder added to a loud environment because the away supporters stuffed three stands whereas making a good previous racket.

Aerial battles can have been a part of the pre-match plan for the league leaders and that is why Carl Starfelt was left cursing himself as he duffed his header after discovering house within the field.

The Swede was dozy seconds later as he allowed the imposing Joel Nouble to win a nook and that led to Ayo Obileye hooking a shot on track that was expertly tipped clear by Joe Hart.

However Celtic dusted themselves down shortly and began to exert a degree of dominance which has been a uncommon prevalence at their bogey floor.

They usually got an opportunity from 12 yards out however McGregor cracked the submit after Nick Walsh awarded a penalty for handball.

There is not any doubt the ball hit the massive Englishman however he made an impassioned case that he had no probability to get his arm clear as he used it for steadiness whereas on the deck.

Nonetheless, McGregor made a hash of it.

Postecoglou's facet had been emboldened fairly than crestfallen within the fast aftermath and the opener got here moments later when Maeda peeled off to the again submit to nod house.

Livingston keeper Max Stryjek was gutted to see his gorgeous save to disclaim Starfelt depend for nothing however he will not be as peeved as Martindale.

Tony Ralston acquired the ultimate contact on the nook that led to the aim, it was a transparent aim kick and referee Walsh may have used some assist from his assistant.

That strike modified the temper music and led to a sustained spell of strain that noticed Jota and Maeda have makes an attempt on aim.

Tom Rogic was again to his greatest however Livingston had been practically degree when Obileye cracked the crossbar simply earlier than the break.

And the nice vibes continued after the interval as Devlin turned Ralston's cross into his personal internet after a free-flowing transfer put Celtic right into a menacing place.

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Maeda appeared harmful and his tireless power whereas main the press led to him robbing Obileye and the Japanese worldwide launched Rogic however there was, maybe, simply an excessive amount of on his immediate by ball.

And it was three when the wonderful Jota launched Forrest and the Scotland worldwide made it 13 consecutive seasons with a aim within the high flight by tucking previous Stryjek from a good angle.

However Celtic acquired an immediate reminder of the hazard Livi possess as one other cross ball brought about panic within the vistors' backline.

Andrew Shinnie then made it two objectives from two video games on the Tony Macaroni towards Postecoglou's facet as he reacted first after a throw-in brought about extra hazard than it actually ought to have.

However Celtic demonstrated their rising maturity as they managed the sport effectively within the fast aftermath of the Lions' tried fightback.

And the subsequent greatest probability was for the guests as Maeda's scuffed effort again throughout Stryjek failed to complete off a one-touch transfer that may have been the choose of the day.

The following greatest probability was as soon as once more for the boys in inexperienced and white, as substitute Liel Abada was left open-mouth after Livi's acrobatic effort saved his rebounded strike out.

Craig Sibbald had a late effort effectively saved from Hart.

Each groups saved going however there was all the time going to be one winner.

Here is three speaking factors from the Tony Mac.

Celtic make their case

Nothing is gained, nowhere close to it, however Postecoglou was rightly satisfied and is aware of his facet have cleared a significant hurdle. Additional confidence is gained with 5 out of their last eight matches set to to be at Celtic Park. Sure, their defensive lack of ability to take care of set performs stays a trigger for concern however every thing else was a roaring success.

(Picture: SNS Group)

Regardless of the considerations over the latest attacking swagger, groups within the SPFL wrestle to create possibilities towards a staff who've conceded fewer than anybody else within the high flight. There's eight video games to go and actual perception.

Jota comes good

He by no means went dangerous, to be truthful, however even the Portuguese star flip had appeared leggy in latest weeks - the pitfalls of a continuous schedule. However the Benfica loanee was wonderful on the Tony Mac and served up a relentless menace down the left wing from first minute till final. His gorgeous cross simply earlier than the penalty was the sort the absent Kyogo would have been readily available to show house.

(Picture: Motion Photographs by way of Reuters)

Large males, nearly by rule, have dips in kind ready that is usually all about confidence. And Jota's skill to thrive among the many rigours of Scottish soccer is what marks him out from the pack. Touchdown this thrilling expertise on a long-term deal stays a no brainer. His move for Forrest's strike was inch-perfect.

Hail the Dale

The likeable Livi supervisor was the toast of British soccer final yr as his story of redemption resonated with many inside the stunning sport. The appreciation of the work he was doing amid whereas await the all clear to turn out to be the Lions' full-time boss.

There is a compelling case to be made his work this season is much more spectacular than their 14-game unbeaten run. Even after a day to overlook.

(Picture: SNS Group)

He has moulded a brand new staff that rightly is pushing for a spot within the high six. He was up in arms at occasions through the contest as he vexed over his facet's lack of ability to maintain Celtic off them however once more that exhibits the unbelievable calls for he places upon each himself and his squad.

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