Premiership giants Celtic got back to winning ways in the league today after a rather comfortable 4-1 victory against Motherwell at Fir Park. The Hoops came into the tie on the back of an embarrassing defeat of the same scoreline against Sparta Prague in midweek, but Neil Lennon’s men looked like a team on a mission right from the opening minutes. They were in the ascendancy for a majority of the fixture, and that dominance converted into goals as well. Despite a spell in the second half where Motherwell threatened to come back from two goals down, a hat-trick from Mohamed Elyounoussi, and a late Olivier Ntcham strike, ensured that Celtic kept all three points.
Here Are The Celtic Player Ratings Vs Motherwell:
Celtic Player Ratings Vs Motherwell
Scott Bain – 6
Made a good save in the first half to maintain the Hoops’ advantage, but didn’t have too much to do apart from that. Arguably couldn’t have done anything about the goal that Motherwell eventually scored either.
Jeremie Frimpong – 7.5
The speedster got forward well and linked up with the attackers in a rather efficient manner. Made quite a few dangerous runs into the Motherwell half and offered himself as a perpetual passing option to the midfielders.
Nir Bitton – 6
The defender didn’t make any mistakes as such but needed to be stronger on quite a few occasions. Was put under a lot of pressure in the second half and was beaten too easily with a number of aerial crosses into the area.
Kristoffer Ajer – 7.5
The young centre-half’s return to the side undoubtedly had a positive effect, as he offers a much more secure presence at the back than Shane Duffy. Put himself about well and made a few key tackles at the back too.
Diego Laxalt – 7
The AC Milan loanee, despite not being the most influential player on the pitch, was able to get forward and contribute when he was required to. Also made a couple of vital clearances to keep Motherwell at bay.
Scott Brown – 7.5
The skipper put in a good performance in midfield tonight after a number of drab displays over the last few weeks. Passed the ball around with confidence and worked hard in the defensive phase as well.
Callum McGregor – 6.5
Despite putting in a much more composed display than usual in the middle of the park today, McGregor failed to have the desired impact. Passed it around well but needs to offer more in the attacking phase.
Ryan Christie – 6
The usually dependable attacker didn’t offer anywhere near what is expected of him in the final third today. Had a good chance in the first half that he wasted, apart from which he offered very little to Lennon’s team.
Tom Rogic – 8
The attacker’s performance shows why Neil Lennon has preferred to play him ahead of Olivier Ntcham over recent weeks. Picked up an assist and played a number of key passes in the final third as well.
Mohamed Elyounoussi – 10
The Southampton loanee was nothing short of sublime in attack today as he looked the likeliest to produce something for Celtic all through the ninety. Did extremely well to score all three of his goals as well.
Albian Ajeti – 6
The Swiss striker didn’t have too much joy in attack tonight as he was watched pretty effectively by the Motherwell defenders. Needs to offer more dynamism to take over the first-choice role from Edouard.
Substitutes
Odsonne Edouard – 6
The Frenchman didn’t have any clear opportunities to find the net over the course of that tie but did well to keep things moving. Showed good awareness to find Ntcham ahead of his goal.
Hatem Abd Elhamed – 6.5
The makeshift full-back was thrown on in the late stages as Jeremie Frimpong picked up what seemed like a minor knock. Tried to get forward when possible and played in the cross that led to Elyounoussi’s third.
Olivier Ntcham – NA
Scored with a simple chance in the late stages but didn’t have too much of an impact otherwise.
Shane Duffy – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
