Celtic were victorious in West Lothian on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Daizen Maeda, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate secured the three points for the Bhoys who had to dig in throughout.
A Joe Hart sending off didn’t aid the visitors but in the end, it didn’t affect them. Here are three things we learned from the match.
Every Celt Gives Their All
Joe Hart was sent off 28 minutes into this afternoon’s game. Celtic resultantly went down to ten men, but remained dominative.
Every player dug in, and put in terrific performances. Callum McGregor particularly stood out in the midfield meanwhile Daizen Maeda never stopped.
Tony Macaroni No Longer An Issue
Previously, heading to the Tony Macaroni Arena was an issue for the Scottish champions. It is fair to say the Bhoys had a hoodoo although now, it has been completely banished.
In their past three visits to West Lothian, Celtic have tasted victory. An aggregate score of 9-1 makes for impressive reading and only backs up the point that heading to Livi’ isn’t the same problem it used to be.
Matt O’Riley Continues To Hit New Heights
This season under Brendan Rodgers, Matt O’Riley has exceeded expectations. The Danish international has added goals to his game, which has been hugely useful for Celtic.
O’Riley added a fourth to his league tally for this campaign today and in midfield, was here, there and everywhere. The 22-year-old now averages a goal or assist every 86 minutes in the Premiership in 2023/24.
Coming to Livi’ off the back of a European away tie was never going to be easy for the treble-winning-champions. Celtic buckled down after being reduced to ten, though, and extended their lead to seven points over their Glasgow rivals.
