Celtic are hot on Hearts’ heels after coming from behind to beat Livingston in a frantic post-Christmas encounter.
Kasper Schmeichel was missing after having an injection, which allowed Viljami Sinisalo to step in and hold down the fort.
Things got off to a dreadful start as Christian Montano seized on a slack pass and was allowed to run into the Celtic box before firing past the ‘keeper.
Wilfried Nancy’s side were soon back level though as Benjamin Nygren tapped home from close range from a corner. That didn’t last long, however, as Montano grabbed his and the hosts’ second with a fierce half-volley.
If you thought things were going to quieten down then you were wrong as it then became 2-2 as Hyunjun Yang refused to give up on a cross that pinballed around the box before he tucked it away.
Nygren then gave the Hoops the lead for the first time with a brilliant effort on the half-hour mark, before Arne Engels made some more breathing room by scoring from the penalty spot.
That made it back-to-back wins for Nancy and leaves the Hoops three points behind the league leaders, with a game in hand.
So, with that, here is how 67 Hail Hail rated the performances of the players after a vital three points.
Tell us who your MOTM was then Bhoys
Celtic player ratings
Viljami Sinisalo – 5
Was given a chance to prove that he could be the number one but had some shaky moments, and is clearly rusty from the lack of football. In fairness, the second goal was a great finish from the Livingston winner but it is likely that Schmeichel will return.
Anthony Ralston – 4
Another nightmare performance from the full-back, who was at fault for both of Livingston’s goals. Some Celtic fans have had enough of Ralston, and a natural centre-back needs to come in next month.
Auston Trusty – 6
Solid at the back once again. Been a real asset to this team.
Kieran Tierney – 7
A model professional as always. No player had more touches than Kieran Tierney across the 90 minutes and you will always be guaranteed maximum effort.
Hyunjun Yang – 6
You can’t fault his work ethic one bit and that was proved by his tenacious attitude to get the goal that made it 2-2.
First touch still needs work and he is very raw, but always tried to be a part of the attack.
What an insane start to the game
Callum McGregor (C) – 6
Not his best game in the world and he gave away a few passes but seems to have a good connection with Engels in the middle of the park.
Arne Engels – 7
Really impressed by him today. Buried the demons of that penalty miss against Roma by confidently dispatching from 12 yards. Was defensively much better too, sliding in to retrieve the ball and making last-ditch tackles.
Luke McCowan – 6
Solid in places and had a couple of shots.
Benjamin Nygren – 9
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Has had some criticisms this season but it is clear to see that he knows where the goal is. Both of his efforts proved that he is capable of different types of finishes and when on form, is hard to stop.
Daizen Maeda – 6
Was okay in patches but didn’t have much of an effect on the game.
Johnny Kenny – 5
When other strikers are not available, it is hard to leave a natural option out but it is clear that Johnny Kenny is not good enough to lead the line.
It is no surprise to see that there have been more links to strikers in recent weeks.
Substitutes
Reo Hatate – 6
Looked lively when he came on and could be in contention for a starting spot.
Colby Donovan – 6
Should start ahead of Ralston.
Paulo Bernardo – 5
Didn’t have much time to influence the game.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
