Livingston 0-5 Celtic

[Murphy7]

A majestic display of "total football" saw Celtic demolish Livingston at Almondvale on Saturday. In a five star performance, Celtic's youngsters played a pivotal part in what was by far the best performance under the reign of Gordon Strachan.

The Celtic starting eleven, which included only two players from Seville in 2003 started the game in superb fashion as Celtic dominated proceedings right from the off. The impressive Shunsuke Nakamura was first to threaten Roddy McKenzie in the home goal. The Japanese playmaker fired in a fierce 25-yard shot which Livi 'keeper Roddy McKenzie managed to beat away well.

McKenzie then had to use an outstretched foot to stop a low shot from the in form Celtic striker Craig Beattie, who was keeping John Hartson on the bench. Full-back Paul Telfer was next to have an effort as he warmed McKenzie's hands with an impressive shot from distance.

Nakamura and Stilian Petrov then saw powerful strikes flash just wide of the target as Celtic continued to overrun the league strugglers. As Celtic forced their fifth corner of the match after 36 minutes it defied belief that the match was still scoreless. However, the Celtic fans didn't have to wait much longer for the opener. The influential Shaun Maloney who was a constant thread to Livingston produced a great delivery from the corner. The cross was flicked on by Sutton and took a slight deflection before reaching Stephen McManus who headed home from close range.

On the stroke of half-time, a marvellous one-touch move set up Maloney for the game's second goal. Petrov provided the final pass and the youngster took a touch before calmly steering the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net. The two goal cushion that Celtic had at half-time was no more than the team deserved and in truth, it could have been a few more.

Celtic continued to impress after the break and after 51 minutes the ever improving Mo Camara provided an excellent cross for Zurawski to send a flashing header past the helpless McKenzie. It was a fantastic header by the inform Pole and took away any lingering doubts that the three points were heading to Glasgow.

Celtic added a forth when a free-kick from Maloney broke to Chris Sutton in plenty os space off the defensive wall and the big Englishman found the top corner of the net with a magnificent strike as he made a difficult finish look easy.

Celtic were knocking the ball around with ease and a rout was beginning
to look a formality as Livingston were being run ragged. It came as no suprise when Celtic added a fifth goal after 72 minutes. A superb pass from Maloney released Camara and the defender's low cross was only parried by McKenzie. This sent the ball into the path of Beattie and the striker tapped the ball into an unguarded net for what will be the easiest goal in his career.

The only suprise was that Celtic did not add to their lead but the Celtic fans leaving Almondvale could have had no complaints. This was an extremely accomplished performance by a relatively inexperienced Celtic team. The victory closed the gap at the top of the league to Hearts to only three points. The top two play in a fortnights time but Celtic could not be in better form with six wins on the spin and confidence is high. With the likes of Agathe, Thompson, Lennon and Hartson available for the game too, Strachan has a few selection problems ahead of the game. Put problems I'm sure, he is delighted to have.

Livingston: McKenzie, Mackay, Strong, Dorado, Dair, Brittain, Walker (Vincze 78), Adams, Pereira (Tierney 55), Dalglish (Snodgrass 67), Graham Barrett.

Subs Not Used: Roy, Pinxten, Scott, McPake.


Celtic: (4-4-2)

Boruc

Telfer Balde McManus Camara

Nakamura Petrov Sutton Maloney

Zurawski (Hartson 81), Beattie (Agathe 85)

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Virgo, Pearson, McGeady, Wallace.

[tremor]

Another very good report, not too short, not too long.

You could also rate players and choose MoM if you like.

[Murphy7]

Originally Posted by tremor

Another very good report, not too short, not too long.

You could also rate players and choose MoM if you like.

Thanks.

I won't do ratings as I can only see that causing bother and arguments.

Mo Camara would be my MOM. He was exceptional and the two assists capped a fine performance. He has improved so much in such a short period of time and his effort, never mind his pace have never been in question.

Keep up the good work Mo.

[tremor]

Originally Posted by Murphy7

Thanks.

I won't do ratings as I can only see that causing bother and arguments.

Mo Camara would be my MOM. He was exceptional and the two assists capped a fine performance. He has improved so much in such a short period of time and his effort, never mind his pace have never been in question.

Keep up the good work Mo.

That's also my opinion. McManus was best at defending and Sutton showed he's ultimate player.

[celticgirl7]

good report again murphy7 well done.

[BigStanFan]

great report Murphy7 your are a pure legend.

[Kenzie 67]

Good report mate i agree with you about Mo Camara he was excellent on Saturday

[celticghirlie]

I totally agree with that post, it was a fabulous display by our bhoys, from start to finish we dominated the match, it was nice to hear the fans singing theres only one paul lambert that was a nice touch. Did anyone else laugh at the music that livvy played when they got a corner or when they brought a new player on, it was a right laugh, when they brought john hartson on they had that noise they played when you got a wrong answer on family fortunes, it made me giggle so it did

[ogairbhith]

nice report murphy mate , super mo was class set up 2 goals and hopefully he'll set up many more