ANGE POSTECOGLOU was the first manager to guide his team to a win in West Lothian since 2007. He made four changes for the Sunday lunchtime kick-off against Livingston.
Postecoglou changed the entire midfield, pushing McGregor further up the pitch to accommodate Bitton, who returned to the starting eleven on Sunday. It was a surprising change, but it was the correct decision on reflection.
The midfielder was one of the best players on the park; he controlled the midfield from start to finish. This season, when played in midfield, he has demonstrated why he was wasted while being used as a makeshift centre half.
Celtic won the battle in midfield against Livingston; that was the key to their win.
As quoted by SunSport, Postecoglou gave some insight into why he selected Bitton to start the game.
“He has been playing for us the whole year. I know people sometimes measure 11 players from a starting perspective but I measure them from where they were when I started.
“He has been great for me. I thought he would be important today because they are a big physical team and he has that ability to dominate the space. He did really well.
“He broke lines and ran with the ball when he needed to.”
After the captain departed the game, Bitton was given the captain’s armband. The Israeli has been a great player this season on the whole, although he has had his moments.
