This was maybe Celtic’s best performances of the season so far, with the second half in particular a five star showing from everyone. The first half was good enough, but the second half was excellent.
Praise must first be given to Motherwell. It is not often that a team who loses 0-4 at home gets any kind of praise from anyone, but they did have their moments tonight as well, particularly in the first half when they might have scored once or twice.
And even when things went against them, they did not stop trying to play good football. There was never any of the “ten men behind the ball” or “parking the bus” defensive depressing stuff. And because Motherwell tried to attack, so too did Celtic. It was in fact really a very good game of football.
But to Celtic. Odsonne Edouard has been rightly praised in all quarters for his fancy footwork, and his two excellent goals. I must admit to having a deja-vu of the free kick. I just knew he was going to score – and so did he!
It would be no slight to the excellent Eddy, however, if I were to place Callum McGregor just marginally ahead of him. A marvellously taken goal by himself, and two assists in which he did the spadework, and some fine passing and controlled play throughout. A superb player!
As for the rest, what can one say? There is no point in denying that mistakes were made in the defence and by Kristoffer Ajer in particular in the early stages, but the encouraging thing was that they were all covered up, and Ajer went on to have a superb game, as did Jullien and Simunovich.
Olivier Ntcham had a few erratic moments as well – and one really bad miss in front of goal – but over the piece he played his part. The teamwork of Edouard and Griffiths was a sight to behold, and how nice it is to see the pair of them work together now that the penny has dropped that they can play together.
Good atmosphere tonight, but Motherwell could have given us more accommodation. There was a considerable amount of elbow room in all the three other stands, and is this my imagination? Is the slope across the pitch getting worse? Still, the pitch is an improvemenrt on what it once was.
The “lack of intelligence” moment must be shared by the clown from our end who threw something onto the park and the Motherwell supporters who refused to gave the ball back at the start of the second half. Oh, they thought they were big, really pulling a spectacular fast-one on Leigh Griffiths, keeping him waiting…but was they who were 0-1 down! They also threw a few things at Griffiths! Aye, intelligence glowed like a beacon from those boys last night!
So Clyde on Sunday await us in the Scottish Cup .Doesn’t look too difficult, but never underestimate anyone!
David Potter
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
Ask the question Celtic, New contract Eddy? – Niall J on Motherwell 0 Celtic 4…see HERE.
Celtic Were First To Challenge Racism In Days Of Empire…see HERE.
COMING UP NEXT – SANDMAN’S DEFINITIVE PLAYER RATINGS…
