Celtic’s fixture against Motherwell was billed as a game that would really test the Hoops’ title credentials.
After playing four games away from home, Celtic faced Motherwell at Parkhead knowing that a win would put pressure on Hearts who kick off at 8pm tonight at Kilmarnock.
Suffering an early scare after Elijah Just put Motherwell ahead on the 32nd minute, Celtic rallied just before half-time with a Hyunjun Yang equaliser.
Massive three points. Your instant thoughts…
Who impressed you for Celtic against Motherwell?
Martin O’Neill got his side in for a half-time talk and it worked as Celtic came out of the traps quickly as Yang grabbed his second and Tomas Cvancara scored from the penalty spot.
So, with that in mind, here are 67 Hail Hail’s player ratings as Celtic took care of Motherwell at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership
Celtic player ratings vs Motherwell as Hyunjun Yang sparkles
Viljami Sinisalo – 5
Good save in the first 10 minutes to keep the score at 0-0. Sinisalo was never really tested and only really had to pick the ball out of the back of the Celtic goal. Had a wee scare after almost being caught out as the ball took a strange bounce in the six-yard box.
Colby Donovan – 6
Equipped himself well against the threat of Longelo. Put in a decent shift and wasn’t troubled much. Donovan offered a decent attacking threat as well. Subbed
Benjamin Arthur – 6
Almost scored his first Celtic goal on the 25th minute as he guided a header just inches above the Motherwell bar. Young Arthur was solid enough beside Liam Scales and is proving himself to be a very capable deputy.
Liam Scales – 6
Scales put in a captain’s performance without ever really being tested. The Irishman will be happy with his overall performance as he captained Celtic to a big win in a game that, on paper, was going to be a big test for the Hoops.
Kieran Tierney – 7
Provided his usual attacking threat down the overlap on the left. Was solid in defence and Tierney had a great all-round game as the left-back’s fine season continues.
Reo Hatate – 4
The Japanese midfielder was largely anonymous in the first half and made no impression on the game. Hatate’s mistake was responsible for Motherwell’s opener. Never really recovered after that as the midfielder’s form continues to rollercoaster this season.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Still looks off the pace as proven by his early booking for a mis-timed tackle on Elijah Just. The English midfielder didn’t really put another foot wrong, but didn’t offer anything else as Oxlade-Chamberlain struggles to make his mark.
Benjamin Nygren – 6
Celtic’s top scorer was caught unawares early as Nygren fell asleep with the ball breaking to him in front of goal in the opening 15 minutes of the game. The Swede hit the post early in the second half but was then subbed off in the 65th minute.
Hyunjun Yang – 9
Looked lively in the early stages of the game but fell out of it. However, Yang made up for that with his excellent equaliser for Celtic ten minutes before half time. The South Korean then popped up with a sublime finish for the Hoops’ third to ensure the win over Motherwell got over the line.
Sebastian Tounekti – 5
Started brightly in the first half and almost put Celtic ahead with an early shot that went just wide. Tounekti was unlucky not to open the scoring as a fist half shot hit the post and trundled across the Motherwell goal line. Didn’t contribute much else and was hooked at half time.
Daizen Maeda – 5
Largely anonymous in the first half apart from one surging run which didn’t amount to anything. Maeda didn’t create a single chance and only had one shot on target. Work rate was good and helped create the penalty to give Celtic the lead.
Tomas Cvancara (sub) – 8
The big striker almost made an instant impact as Cvancara created an opportunity for Nygren, who then hit the post. Cvancara scored a penalty to put Celtic in the lead and then helped create Celtic’s third goal. A great supersub performance
Luke McCowan (sub) – 4
McCowan got just 30 minutes on the park as he replaced Nygren but never really created much.
Anthony Ralston (sub) – 4
A late sub as he replaced the injured Colby Donovan, Ralston put in his usual dependable performance as he helped see out the 3-1 win.
Marcelo Saracchi (sub) – 5
Saracchi replaced the excellent Tierney and proved to be a threat despite the short time he had on the pitch. Was unlucky not to create Celtic’s fourth goal as a dangerous cross wasn’t picked up by the Hoops attack.
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 4
The Portuguese was another late substitute but never really got the chance to show what he can do as Bernardo’s miserable season continues.
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