Larsson Sinks Livvy

A brace of goals from Henrik Larsson proved sufficient to settle a largely forgettable match at Almondvale ”V and return Celtic to the top of the SPL table. It was a case of ”„job done”¦ for Martin O”¦Neill”¦s Bhoys but, in truth, their prolific Swede”¦s second strike marked the unrivalled highlight of an otherwise dire Sunday afternoon clash.

Livvy had actually started the match marginally the brighter, and it was the former Dundee United full-back Gary Bollan who was the first to threaten, although his dipping 30-yard volley never looked likely to unduly trouble Rab Douglas. Celtic, meanwhile, had yet to get into their stride, and this made it all the more surprising when they snatched a sixth minute lead.

The goal certainly came gift-wrapped, courtesy of Marvin Andrews”¦ clumsy penalty box challenge on Stilian Petrov, an ill-advised lunge which resulted in the 22-year-old Bulgarian being withdrawn from the fray with a painful facial wound. It also gave Henrik Larsson a gilt-edged opportunity to succeed where he had failed in the corresponding fixture last season and, without a hint of self-doubt, he coolly dispatched the ball beyond Javier Sanchez Broto.

Celtic had the advantage and, as is the norm in such situations, they went on to boss the first half with some sharp, if unspectacular, midfield play. Furthermore, Larsson, though harried and kicked throughout by the home side”¦s uncompromising defence, appeared very much in the mood and, as the match progressed, the prolific Swede grew in influence.

Soon after netting Celtic”¦s opener, he was involved again, linking neatly with Momo Sylla to play the Guinean in for a low shot which Broto did well to parry clear. Then, with 19 minutes played, he gathered an Alan Thompson cross with his back to goal, held off the challenge of Rubio and swivelled to fire in a right-foot shot that was only matched in quality by Broto”¦s smart reaction save.

The chances somewhat dried up for the Hoops as the first half drew to a close, however, and this failure to capitalise on their obvious superiority gave Livvy a glimmer of hope for the second half. Nevertheless, while a brief early flurry from the home side saw both Oscar Rubio and Sherif Toure-Maman go close, it wasn”¦t long before Celtic were on the attack again.

However, although Alan Thompson twice tried his luck from distance, on both occasions he failed to generate sufficient power in his left-foot shots to trouble the West Lothian side”¦s impressive Spanish goalkeeper.

Celtic were now looking a pale shadow of the side which had appeared to be back to its very best over recent matches and, with Larsson particularly subdued at this stage, the danger was always that Livvy would take advantage of their visitors”¦ apparent sluggishness. And, sure enough, only the width of the crossbar prevented them drawing level with 15 minutes remaining when Marvin Andrews rose to bullet a header against the woodwork with Rab Douglas beaten.

However, with that chance went the Almondvale side”¦s hopes of claiming a share of the spoils because, with seven minutes left to play, Larsson awoke from his second half slumber to ensure that Celtic would be travelling back along the M8 with all three points. And what a goal it was. True, Oscar Rubio slipped at a vital moment, but that should not detract in any way from the skill and composure displayed by the 24-goal Swede in drifting away from a posse of Livvy defenders before rifling a low shot beyond the despairing grasp of Broto.

Celtic Man of the Match: HENRIK LARSSON