Top of the table – but only just
Livingston defender, and former Celt, Efe Ambrose holds his head after his side missed a late chance to snatch a point at Celtic Park.
Had Carlo Pignatiello shown just a little more composure, Livingston would have come away from this game with a remarkable draw.
The 20-year-old debutant had a free header close in right at the death to make it 3-3 but snatched at it and it came off his shoulder.
In contrast to their share of the points with Rangers at the start of the season in an encounter that finished goalless, this one was lively as anything.
They were in front, level and behind – and then nearly level again.
The game featured Albian Ajeti’s fourth goal in five league games for Celtic, Callum McGregor’s 50th for the club and the Hoops’ fifth league win on the spin.
Strangely, it was a continuation of their stilted form of late in which they have been coming out on top without ever really being at it.
There was also fresh speculation on the future of Odsonne Edouard, who was on the subs bench having reported himself to be “struggling”.
Livingston grabbed the opener with a goal that was as straightforward as it was unexpected.
Kristoffer Ajer committed a clear handball in his own area, off a cross from Scott Tiffoney, and referee Gavin Duncan pointed to the penalty spot.
Jason Holt stepped up and struck the ball confidently beyond the dive of Vasilav Barkas.
Livi were not able to hold their lead long with Callum McGregor smashing home from the edge of the box for 1-1 a couple of minutes later.
TV footage later showed his effort had taken a big deflection off Nicky Devlin but it was a sweet strike.
And having got back on terms,
Celtic then quickly went ahead with a fine goal.
McGregor played the ball wide to Greg Taylor who set up Ryan Christie, who had earlier shown intent with a wicked free kick curled just wide of the junction between bar and post.
From near point blank range, he made no mistake.
It sent Celtic in at the break happy and there was a swagger about their play on their return typified by their third goal.
Christie threaded a pass into space. Ajeti read it perfectly and nipped to clip the ball past Robby McCrorie.
Again, there was to be a twist with the game’s next goal coming not from the home side but the visitors.
A belter it was too with French fullback Julien Serrano fairly powering home an effort from over 20 yards.
While Celtic did not seem too fussed, it left them vulnerable. Had Pignatiello converted his opportunity Livingston would have had a bloody nose. As it was, they went bottom.
“We are not getting the rewards we deserve right now,” said Livi manager Gary Holt. “We can’t play as well against Rangers and again here today then not back it up next week.
“We need to carry it on and our next three or four games are vitally important. If we show the same kind of hunger and endeavour, we’ll pick up points.
“We had a great chance at the end through Carlo. But he got into a great position so I give the kid great credit.
“I think he’s maybe took his eye off it. He probably wishes he could have it over again and again – he won’t sleep tonight. But he didn’t do himself any harm coming in today.”
Neil Lennon, who saw pluses and minuses from his team’s performance, did not dodge the issue of Edouard being taken out of the starting line up.
“He was away with France and played two 90 minutes when he was with them, having missed the previous three games with us,” he said. “I spoke to him on Friday and he was struggling.
“Hopefully he will be fresh for Thursday (and the game against Riga).
“We do not want to sell. We have had no bids or confirmed interest in him. I am hoping come the end of the window he will still be a Celtic player.
“He is not causing any problems. He was honest he was struggling and I take his word on that.”
Lennon was likewise dismissive of fresh reports linking Milan with Kristoffer Ajer.