Celtic picked up a big win on the road against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon, emerging as 3-0 victors despite going down to ten men in the first half.
Joe Hart was sent off after wiping out Mohammed Sangare, who had capitalised on slack Celtic defending with a run forward onto a direct pass over the top.
Although the Bhoys were already 1-0 up, it was a tricky situation for the champions but they overcame that setback with aplomb.
Matt O’Riley and Daizen Maeda added to the scoring after the interval, following up Reo Hatate’s opening penalty. It was a quality performance from the team and a positive step forward after the defeat midweek.
Rodgers was pleased with his team’s efforts, especially Maeda. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Bhoys boss said: “We always have a plan for going down to ten men, how we want to work. I thought the boys were then brilliant, in terms of how they took the pressure way, how they tactically moved and blocked spaces – and we’re always a threat going forward.
“When you have Daizen Maeda in your team, you don’t really have ten men. He puts in the work rate of two players – unbelievable mentality. He got his reward at the end. But overall it was a real collective effort and the boys showed outstanding resilience.”
Celtic’s response to adversity today was stellar and Maeda was certainly one of those who put in an extra shift to ensure areas were covered.
O’Riley was also a standout, as was Greg Taylor. Some of the squad’s most influential players really stepped up to deliver the three points today.
With a midweek of rest before next week’s trip to Motherwell, the squad will be confident of picking up another three points at Fir Park and continuing the unbeaten start to the league season.
In other news, Video: Brendan Rodgers brilliantly steps in to aid celebrating young Celtic fan against stewards.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
