Celtic thrive with 10 men as magic Matt O'Riley runs Livi show to spare Joe Hart's blushes – 3 talking points

Celtic survived a red card scare to see off Livingston and strengthen their grip at the top of the Premiership with a rousing 3-0 win.

The Hoops went down to 10 men when Joe Hart was sent off in the first half after Reo Hatate had fired his side ahead from the spot. Matt O'Riley pounced with a second early in the second half as the champions before Daizen Maeda sealed the deal in stoppage time as Celtic managed to hold off the Lions and secure three points as they bounced back from their Champions League defeat to Feyenoord.

Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers drew 0-0 on his only other experience of the Tony Macaroni Arena back in 2018 during his first spell in charge of the club. And it was another tough day in West Lothian as David Martindale’s outfit made Celts scrap every step of the way. Celtic dominated from the off and forged ahead inside 14 minutes when Hatate’s burst into the box and Luiya de Lucas swung out a leg. It was a stonewall spot kick and the Japanese midfielder just about managed to squeeze his effort under Shamal George.

Celts pushed for more but Livi were a threat – especially with balls down the middle with Joel Nouble targeting Gustaf Lagerbielke. The big striker got a flick on for Bruce Anderson to race through on goal – only for Hart to make a super stop.

The keeper’s afternoon was soon to go south though. Another ball over the top left Lagerbielke and Liam Scales scrambling, Sangare went on the charge and got there before being wiped out by Hart just outside the box. James Forrest – in his first start since January – was sacrificed for replacement keeper Scott Bain and Livi sensed a chance against the 10 men.

Sangare curled over the top and Ayo Obileye forced Bain into a decent save with his dipping