Brendan Rodgers has hardly experienced a tough contest since he took the job at Celtic but when his side finally faced a strong fight, they showed why they are special. Yes, Rodgers’ Celtic is a very special team. The Hoops came back from behind to win the game 3-4 at Fir Park. Motherwell gave them a hard run for their money but Celtic proved to be too strong for them.
Louis Moult scored twice in the first-half to give Motherwell the command in the game. Celtic struggled to create any clear openings and didn’t have a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes despite their dominance of the ball. Rodgers switched to a back three in the second half and substitute Callum McGregor changed the game. He pegged one back in the 48th minute and Patrick Roberts made it level on 70 minutes.
Within two minutes Lionel Ainsworth scored for Motherwell and Armstrong quickly replied from the kick off as Roberts returned the favour for the earlier goal. Tom Rogic scored the winner in the last minute to give Celtic all three points. Motherwell will be disappointed for losing all three points from the game they were in an advantageous position.
Here is the player ratings for Celtic from the game.
Craig Gordon: 5.5/10
Should have been on his line for the first goal. Could do very little for the other two goals.
Mikael Lustig: 6/10
Lost the ball too easily that led to the second goal. Otherwise, he was pretty decent.
Kolo Toure: 4.5/10
Was at fault for both of the opening goals especially the second one.
Jozo Simunovic: 6.5/10
The Croat was pretty impressive despite his team shipping away three goals. Strong in the tackle and won back possession.
Emilio Izaguirre: 2/10
A horrendous display from the Honduran. Gave away the ball needlessly several times and made a few clumsy fouls. Was subbed off before the 30-minute mark.
Scott Brown: 6/10
Despite Celtic struggling, the skipper was impressive in the first half with his industry and control in the game. Faded in the second half.
Stuart Armstrong: 8.5/10
A brilliant game from Armstrong. Two assists, one goal and an excellent passing- he is our man of the match.
Patrick Roberts: 6.5/10
Was poor with his final pass throughout the game. Levelled the game.
Tom Rogic: 8/10
Moved the ball well and created several openings. Good chance in the second half with a right-footed shot inside the box. Scored the all-important winner in the final minute.
James Forrest: 6/10
Not really impressive from the fleet-footed winger. Improved in the second half but still nothing special.
Moussa Dembele: 6/10
Did not get too many chances but his hold-up play and passing were impressive.
Substitutes
Callum McGregor: 7.5/10
Came on for Izaguirre after 29 minutes and did really well as a makeshift left-back. Moved to the right side of midfield as Celtic reverted to a back three and did a brilliant job. Scored a goal and created a number of chances.
Nir Bitton: NA
Cristian Gamboa: NA
