Motherwell 0 Celtic 2 – This is the Day, this is the Day

Celtic produced perhaps their most impressive performance of the season at Fir Park this afternoon beating a Motherwell side who fancied their chances very comfortably indeed and seeing points dropped by theRangers, Hearts and Hibs to close in on all these sides.

As as result of today’s results Celtic leapfrog both Motherwell and Hibs in the table and are now a point behind Dundee Utd in fourth place. Second placed Hearts are now just 3 points ahead of Celtic after dropping 2 points at Ibrox this afternoon and theRangers are now looking over their shoulders as Celtic close the gap to 4 points.

These wasn’t a failure in an accomplished Celtic performance. Boli Bolingoli was impressive at left-back after stepping in for Adam Montgomery who picked up a knock in training yesterday. Carl Carlfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers were rock solid in the centre of the defence and the under-rated Anthony Ralston gave 100% and even managed a decent effort on goal.

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: Jota of Celtic celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

One wee early footwork scare apart from Joe Hart was the only worry as the Englishman looked assured and easily dealt with anything Motherwell could muster.

In the middle of the park David Turnbull came onto a game after a slightly nervous start back on his old patch and classily avoided any real celebration when he fired in a goal of the season contender to wrap-up the points for Ange Postecoglou’ side.

Callum McGregor is the classiest footballer in Scotland and there were one or two moments of magical footwork from the Wizard of Oz, Tom Rogic. The front three all had their moments, Jota scoring from a move started by Kyogo’s determination to defend when necessary, Rogic led the counter attack and his through ball to the Portuguese winger deserved the finish that was delivered to give Celtic the lead.

As predicted on The Celtic Star in our match preview Ange looked to his bench to bring on Nir Bitton and Giorgos Giakoumakis and Mikey Johnston also got on for the last ten minutes.

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: Angelos Postecoglou, Manager of Celtic speaks to referee William Collum and Graham Alexander, Manager of Motherwell during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Two other points of note, Willie Collum’s injury – he had to be replaced by the fourth official after around a half hour of play meant that the game was running behind the other 3pm kick-offs. With Celtic 2-0 and causing to the points the best moment of the day was the explosion of noise as news reached the slightly reduced away end at Motherwell that Hearts had scored a late equaliser at Ibrox.

Once again the Celtic choirs song of choice was This is the Day, This is the Day…and it could signal more than just an away day success but the day that the tables turned.

We are going to win the league you know, this is the day for the entire support to believe.

Man of the Match – Callum McGregor.

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Celtic arrives at the stadium prior to the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: David Turnbull of Celtic scores their team’s second goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: David Turnbull (obscured) celebrates with teammates Tomas Rogic, Anthony Ralston of Celtic after scoring their team’s second goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: Celtic players enter the field ahead of the second half during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: Angelos Postecoglou, Manager of Celtic acknowledges the fans after his sides victory during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo of Celtic jumps for the ball with Stephen O’Donnell of Motherwell during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: Tomas Rogic of Celtic battles for possession with Kaiyne Woolery of Motherwell during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 16: Tomas Rogic of Celtic battles for possession with Sean Goss of Motherwell during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Celtic FC at Fir Park on October 16, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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