CELTIC survived an early onslaught from Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday to rally and hit five to win in fine style through Kristoffer Ajer, Leigh Griffiths, James Forrest, Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie.
An early goal from Liam Donnelly and another late strike from the red-hot Northern Irishman wasn’t enough for Motherwell, but there was plenty of talking points from an entertaining afternoon at Fir Park…
WHEN CELTIC ARE ON ROPES, YOU HAVE TO KILL THEM OFF
Motherwell came haring out of the traps in their first home game of the Premiership season, pressing high and suffocating Celtic, while using the ball well and carrying a threat. That was evident as they deservedly hit the front through Donnelly’s sweetly struck volley.
But going behind, as they have already proved against Sarajevo and Cluj this summer, doesn’t bother this Celtic side. Indeed, within a couple of minutes they were level as Ajer stormed through the centre of the Motherwell defence to finish and restore parity.
The game was still in the balance as Motherwell rallied, but they were never likely to sustain the physical exertion they were expending at that point, meaning they had to come out of the first period of the game ahead, or at least with something to hold onto. They didn’t, and that was ultimately their undoing.
AND DON’T GIVE RUTHLESS CELTIC A HELPING HAND
Celtic have been scoring for fun of late, knocking seven past St Johnstone last week, so the last thing that Motherwell wanted to do was hand them any gifts. Unfortunately for the Steelmen, they did just that, and a ruthless Celtic side gobbled them up.
While Ajer’s equaliser was all about the power and skill of the Norwegian, Celtic’s second was equal parts the free-kick ability of Griffiths and the naivety of Motherwell defender Declan Gallagher.
The centre-back clambered all over the Celtic striker under a high ball that carried little threat, presenting Griffiths with a golden chance from 25 yards that he wasn’t about to pass up. He took a short run up and smashed the ball low past Gillespie at the keeper’s side to put Celtic ahead.
Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson bemoaned the fact his side were culpable for four of Celtic’s five goals, but due credit must also be given to Celtic for the lethal edge to their attack.
Their third goal showed the good side of the much-maligned Boli Bolingoli as he hit the byline and found a cutback into the feet of Forrest, who took a touch before finishing calmly across Gillespie and in off the far post.
Motherwell visibly had the stuffing knocked out of them from then on in, and it was no surprise to see Celtic take advantage as they tore Motherwell apart as the game stretched. Edouard’s finish for the fourth was clinical, and Christie’s penalty put the icing on the cake.
KRISTOFFER AJER COULD BE CELTIC’S NEXT BIG STAR
It wasn’t only his goal that exemplified what Ajer can bring to the Celtic party, but his all-round showing at right-back that showed just how much of a talent he is.
Even playing out of position, the 21-year-old was imperious, nullifying the threat of Motherwell’s wingers and imposing himself in an attacking sense too.
His manager had waxed lyrical about Ajer prior to the game, saying that the sky was the limit for his young defender, and on this evidence it is hard to argue with him. He is maturing into a hugely accomplished performer, belying his tender years, and he has the potential to go to the very top of the game.
BOLI BOLINGOLI AND CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN NEED TO GET UP TO SPEED OF SCOTTISH GAME
Celtic’s two big-money summer signings did ok here, and Bolingoli in particular looked to grow in confidence as the game wore on, but Motherwell’s high intensity start to the game looked to spook the two new arrivals.
Jullien was ponderous in possession on a couple of occasions and almost got caught out, while the less said about Bolingoli’s first half the better, but the encouraging thing for Lennon and Celtic will be the fact that the pair looked to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the Scottish game after the break and looked far more comfortable.
It’s early days for both Bolingoli and Jullien, and there should be a lot more to come from both of them.
LEWIS MORGAN COULD BE DOING WITH A GOAL
Morgan acknowledged after the game at Fir Park that he has to start contributing in terms of goals and assists, and the former St Mirren winger knows he will be judged on his attacking numbers.
He came in for praise from his manager for his work rate during the game, with Lennon joking that Morgan looked as if he was on something such was his level of industry, but he will have to improve his end product if he is to edge Mikey Johnston out of the team on a permanent basis on the left wing.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel