Joe Hart - His first involvement was to take the ball out of his own net, as MacKay equalised for the visitors not long after Celtic took the lead. His only other contribution in the first half was a well-timed punched ball following a Livingston cross, which started a counterattack for the hosts. Could do nothing with the second goal either, but was solid with everything else that came his way. 6

Alistair Johnston - A mainstay in the back-line now, Johnston got caught out with the long ball that led to the equaliser alongside Welsh. Despite this, he tried to get involved with driving the ball forward, linking up well with his winger Kühn. A positive performance from the right-back, who is one of the first names on the team sheet, and for good reason. 7

 

Stephen Welsh - In for Cameron Carter-Vickers due to injury, he was caught by an early ball over the top that led to Livingston’s equaliser. Welsh naturally gets a lot of the ball, trying to start moves from the back alongside his defensive partner. Dispossessed a number of times, Welsh struggled to make a positive impact at the back in the first half. One of his poorer games, Welsh would have been happy to have heard the full-time whistle, as he had an error-filled afternoon. 4

 

Liam Scales - A shaky start for the defender, who struggled to get to grips with the physicality of Livingston’s attack, which led to a couple of hairy moments at the back. Scales - though better than Welsh - really struggled in this game, and looked shaky alongside his defensive partner. Got away with one today, as a better team would have punished the pair more severely. 5

 

Greg Taylor - A mixed afternoon for the left-back, who tried to make things happen playing in his inverted role in the middle of the park. Was posted missing a couple of times, especially for the second goal, but look bright going forward. Not the worst defender on the park by a long way, but a hit and Miss game from the Scotland international. Lasted the whole 90 minutes, which was required. Decent enough. 6

 

Tomoki Iwata - Not flashy by any means, Iwata commanded his turf well, passing the ball to his more offensive-minded teammates. Intercepting the ball a number of times, he made his presence felt in the middle of the park in the absence of Callum McGregor. A better defensive player than the two centre-backs he was playing in front of, he got Celtic out of a couple of dodgy moments thanks to his placement on the park. He was key in Celtic’s decisive third goal on the day, as it was his move and pass that set up Maeda for his hattrick. An automatic starter between now and the end of the season, regardless of injuries. 8

 

Paulo Bernardo - A quiet opening 45 minutes for the Benfica loanee, he had a couple of nice touches here and there, though it was the wide men that were stealing the show in the game at that point. A willing runner who tried to make things happen, he had a muted game in the middle of the park. Should have done better with a shot thanks to Kühn’s delivery, as his chipped shot went wide. Was replaced by Daniel Kelly at the hour mark. 5

 

Matt O’Riley - A man who looked back on form in the first half, you can tell what O’Riley you’re going to get judging by his first touch in games. It was present and well, which made his performance strong as a result. It was a different story in the second half, as his slackness led to Livingston’s second goal in the contest. A mixed game, from a player who is capable of so much more. More of the first-half O’Riley please, Matt! 6

 

Nicolas Kühn - Instantly involved, turning his marker before delivering a low ball into the box, a first showing of his skill on the wing. He would do the same a couple of minutes later, making a nuisance of himself for the visitors’ defence. Would deliver an inch-perfect pass to Daizen Maeda, who made no mistake. Was influential in the break that led to the second goal too, as he moved forward and passed the ball into a dangerous area. Celtic’s best player on the day by some distance, Cristian Montano had a nightmare in dealing with the German. Was replaced by Forrest with 15 minutes remaining. 8

 

Adam Idah - a disappointing day for the Norwich loanee, who could not get any sort of rhythm going in the game. Despite getting his head to a couple of balls, his touch looked off, which translated to a frustrating match for the striker. A lot of effort was put in, but not much end product, from a player who has been a smash hit since his January arrival. Better days to come for sure from the Irishman. 5

 

Daizen Maeda - The man who will steal all of the headlines, it was a first half double from the winger, who celebrated his 100th Celtic appearance in style. A great finish for his first and a lucky header for his second, the forward was a constant thorn in the side for the visitors. He had a chance to seal the hattrick, though Kühn’s cross was not met by the Japan forward. His influence waned in the game, as Celtic looked for a winner, though his contribution cannot be understated. Despite this quiet half, we would be on hand to tap home Iwata’s cross, ensuring the match ball would be coming home with him. Could have scored four, it it wasn’t for the bar! A great day from Duracell Daizen! 9

 

Subs: 

 

Kyogo Furuhashi - replacing Idah, he went one better than his fellow striker, scoring late on with virtually the last kick of the game. Produced the nicest moment of the afternoon, as all the players ran to Celebrate with the much-maligned forward. A great moment! 6

 

Daniel Kelly - was solid on the ball, and should have scored at the end with a decent chance in front of goal. 5

 

James Forrest - a player in the twilight of his career, he actually looked bright for the last 15 minutes. A solid cameo from the veteran winger. 4