Celtic extend lead at top of the table
Celtic 4 - 0 Motherwell
Celtic maintained their composure despite a shaky start to secure a commanding 4-0 victory over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
Following a frustrating draw at Dundee United on Sunday, the league leaders took time to find their rhythm. The breakthrough came just before the half-time whistle when a collision between Aston Oxborough and Hyunjun Yang earned Celtic a penalty.
Arne Engels coolly converted, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner as the Motherwell goalkeeper dived the wrong way.
Celtic had the better chances in the first half, with Daizen Maeda’s effort blocked by Oxborough. The Motherwell keeper also had a nervy moment when he nearly turned the ball into his own net, but managed to clear it with the help of his defence.
Early in the second half, Celtic survived a scare when Tony Watt inadvertently blocked Tawanda Maswanhise’s shot on Kasper Schmeichel’s goalline, deflecting it behind.
The hosts doubled their lead soon after when Engels delivered a pinpoint corner that Liam Scales flicked on, allowing Maeda to head it powerfully into the net.
Nicolas Kuhn added a third with a low shot from outside the box, which took a deflection off Kofi Balmer and nestled into the far corner.
Reo Hatate completed the scoring with a similar strike, drilling a low effort into the opposite corner beyond the outstretched Oxborough.
Celtic’s resilience and quality ensured they remained firmly at the top of the table. Their unbeaten run continues. Will anyone in Scotland stop them this season?
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Another pivotal day as Rangers lose
The goalless draw at Dundee United last weekend left the Celtic fans frustrated. Though they maintained their unbeaten streak in the Scottish Premiership, many believed that Rodgers side should have easily defeated Jim Goodwin's promoted team.
For the first 45 minutes at Parkhead on Boxing Day, it seemed that the supporters might be in for another disappointing match. However, Engels provided a much-needed lift just before the halftime break.
The Bhoys in green came out in the second half looking much more like their old selves and managed to put another three goals on the scoresheet.
Keeping their consistency is going to be key as Celtic attempt to navigate a busy run of Premiership games over the coming weeks, as they host St Johnstone before a trip to Ibrox in the new year. Rangers defeat against St Mirren meant that this was pretty much the perfect Boxing Day for Celtic.
Motherwell lack a clinical edge
Motherwell played ok yesterday but perhaps lacked something of a clinical edge.
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The scoreline doesn’t quite do justice to how competitive Motherwell were, particularly in the first half. Despite spending much of the opening 45 minutes on the back foot, Stuart Kettlewell’s side showed resilience in defence and even managed to create a few chances of their own.
Tawanda Maswanhise posed a real threat at times, and if not for an unfortunate deflection off his own teammate Tony Watt, he might have pulled the visitors back into the game.
Motherwell now drop to fifth in the table following Dundee United’s win over St Johnstone, but they remain just two points behind the Tangerines.
Up next, they face a tough challenge as Rangers visit Fir Park in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
