Celtic have restored their nine point lead over Rangers at the Premiership summit after victory over Livingston.
The Hoops had the bulk of possession and the chances throughout this one but the scoreline was a lot closer than Ange Postecoglou will have wanted with the champions running out 2-1 winners on the night. Liel Abada - the only change from the win over Aberdeen at the weekend - proved his selection was spot on with an excellent display. He played a major role in the two goals and also had one ruled out for offside in front of a packed out Parkhead.
The games come thick and fast for the Hoops with St Johnstone making the trip to Glasgow's east end on Christmas Eve before they make the journey to the capital to face Hibs at Easter Road four days later. It's then a blockbuster Old Firm showdown with Rangers on January 2. Here are three things we learned from Celtic's win over Livingston.
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Strength and depth
Ange Postcoglou once again showed the strength at his disposal within his squad.
World Cup star Daizen Maeda, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Sead Haksabanovic, Aaron Mooy and James Forrest were just some of the names to start the night on the bench.
The Hoops gaffer has also already added fresh faces for January as he continues to add depth and quality to his pool.
A luxury to have and will play a major role, like it did in the first part of the season, for the remainder of the campaign.
Ball control
From the off Celtic looked most likely in this game and restored their nine point lead at the top.
Boast an excellent home record and showed their intent from the first whistle. Kept the ball well throughout. First half much better than the second period with Livingston making things tougher.
Games continue at a rapid pace with outings on the 24th and 28th before visiting Rangers on January 2.
The one negative is probably not scoring more goals for all the possession on the night.
Key call
Liel Abada was the only change made to the team that defeated Aberdeen for this one.
And what a decision it proved to be from the Celtic boss.
The Israeli played a key role in the two opening goals with his cross deflected in for the opener before he teed up Kyogo Furuhashi for the second of the game just before half-time. VAR also denied the attacker a strike of his own.
A real livewire and constant threat with his direct running, pace and skill.
Will no doubt play a major role in the second part of the campaign.
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