Wilfried Nancy’s recovery as Celtic manager gathered pace as his side came from behind twice in a chaotic first half to beat Livingston and close to within three points of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.
The visitors were rocked early at Almondvale, with four goals scored in the opening 10 minutes.
Livingston struck first after just three minutes when Cristian Montano skipped past Hyun-jun Yang and fired in off the near post.
Celtic responded almost immediately.
Daizen Maeda headed Arne Engels’ corner back across goal and Benjamin Nygren tapped in from close range to level.
But parity lasted barely a minute, as Livingston surged forward again and Montano, left unmarked inside the box, smashed home his second to restore the hosts’ lead.
The frantic opening continued as Celtic equalised for a second time, Yang forcing the ball over the line after a scramble in the six-yard area.
The game then settled briefly before Nancy’s side finally took control.
Nygren struck again midway through the half, driving a low effort in off the far post to give Celtic their first lead of the afternoon.
Celtic extended that advantage just before the break.
Following a corner, the ball appeared to strike Daniel Finlayson’s arm, and after a pitchside review referee Matthew MacDermid awarded a penalty, which Engels converted calmly.
The second half brought no further goals but remained lively.
Luke McCowan and Reo Hatate tested Livingston goalkeeper Shamal George, while Montano and Macaulay Tait both went close at the other end as the hosts refused to go quietly.
The victory lifts Celtic further into the title picture, with Hearts having lost earlier in the day.
Nancy’s side could move top if they win away at Motherwell on Wednesday.
Livingston, despite a spirited display, remain bottom of the table, four points adrift of safety with a game in hand.
Livingston boss David Martindale: "I do genuinely feel that there's a lot of positives within performances. I don't think we got battered today, I thought we were competitive within the game.
"We need to tidy up in our own box and I think that's been our story of late. I think we need to tidy up in the offensive areas as well because goals win games."
Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy: "Really happy with the spirit because we came from behind twice and this is something I like to see.
"I think this is the next step, to be able to control this kind of game better but I liked the attitude, the competitive spirit, against a difficult team to play. I'm really pleased with my players."
