Celtic got back to winning ways in the Premiership by putting four past Motherwell at Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers’ side slipped up against Dundee United last time out by firing blanks on Tayside. But they found their shooting boots again here to see off Stuart Kettlewell’s men. Arne Engels broke the deadlock with a penalty just before half-time after Yang had been tripped in the box by Well keeper Aston Oxborough.
And the champions stepped up a gear after the break. Goals from Daizen Maeda and subs, Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate, condemned the Steelmen to defeat. The victory stretched Celtic’s lead at the top of the league to 12 points with Rangers playing away at St Mirren later – while Motherwell stayed fifth in the table. Here’s three talking points from Parkhead:
Hoops enjoy rare Boxing Day home comforts
Celtic might not be at their absolute best but they still know how to get the job done, especially at home. Incredibly, this was their first Boxing Day fixture at Parkhead for 14 YEARS and they were always going to mark it with a victory.
After dropping points at Tannadice on Sunday, it was vital for Rodgers’ side to get back to winning ways. In the first half, it looked like they might toil against a well-drilled Motherwell outfit. Celtic’s performances of late haven’t hit the heights of earlier in the season and this could have been a tricky fixture for them.
They needed a bit of luck to edge themselves in front when the deflection on Paulo Bernardo’s cross allowed Yang to reach it before keeper Oxborough and win a penalty.
But when Engels tucked it away, there was never going to be any doubt about the result. And Rodgers’ men really kicked on in the second half.
Their play was quicker, passing crisper and combinations more dynamic after the break. And when Engels’ deliveries into the box are on the money, it will cause any team problems. They penned Motherwell in, scored another three, and probably should have won by more especially after adding quality players like Kuhn and Hatate from the bench. The champions weren’t quite hitting top gear over the busy festive period – but doubting them is a dangerous game.
Marvellous Marvin
Very few Premiership defenders had handled Celtic winger Maeda better than young Motherwell right-back Marvin Kaleta. The 20-year-old is on loan at Fir Park from Wolves and looks a real talent. Kaleta has impressed Well fans with recent performances and his reputation was set to be enhanced further at Parkhead.
But that’s the thing about Maeda – even when you think you’ve got him under control, he never stops. And Kaleta will have learned that valuable lesson. Maeda is full of running power and he has been a constant threat to Celtic’s opponents this season.
But right from the off here, Kaleta got to grips with the Japanese wide man. He matched Maeda for pace, stayed on his feet – and was quick and decisive in the tackle. Of course, Kaleta needed help at times as Motherwell looked to double up, with Tom Sparrow tracking back and Dan Casey shuffling across from centre-back.
Rarely did Maeda get the better of Kaleta or cause him a major problem – until he scored the Hoops’ crucial second goal. It looked like Kaleta had been charged with marking his man at corners too. But when Engels’ delivery was whipped in and flicked on by Liam Scales to the back post, Kaleta was caught napping.
He only switched off for a second but with Maeda, that’s all he needs to punish you as he got free to power home a diving header and make it 2-0.
Rodgers takes note of Lennon
If this was a Parkhead audition for young Motherwell skipper Lennon Miller, it was never going to be easy for him to impress. With Stuart Kettlewell’s side under the cosh, especially in the second half, the teenager was always going to find it tough to make an impact. But even in the little flashes of quality he showed, Hoops gaffer Rodgers would still have taken note.
Miller has been linked with a move to Celtic Park, either in January or in the summer, with the Fir Park club set to demand a record fee for their prized asset. He was terrific against the champions earlier in the season, with Rodgers referencing his performance post-match.
With Well second best for long spells here, Miller’s influence was limited. But Rodgers would still have watched a kid trying to show calm and composure on the ball when it was 100mph at times round about him. And one stunning drilled pass from central midfield to a team-mate in the second half showed what Miller is all about.
With the armband, he’s taken on more responsibility and he’s not afraid to do the dirty side of the game as well. As Motherwell’s sitter here, he was often forced to track back and make some timely interventions and tackles.
His display might not have been as eye-catching as a few others this term but at 18, he was still the visitors’ best player at the toughest venue in Scotland to go to. And it will be a shock if Rodgers and Celtic aren’t involved when Miller eventually makes his move from Lanarkshire.