Motherwell’s ’embarrassing’ approach against Celtic slated by Gabby Agbonlahor

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Motherwell showed the best and worst of their football against Celtic.

Jens Askou has been widely praised since arriving at Fir Park, with his team’s style of play earning plaudits.

In fact, the defeat against Brendan Rodgers’ side was the Steelmen’s first of the season. It came in heart-breaking fashion for them too, with a last-minute winner by Daizen Maeda.

During the game, Motherwell played through the Hoops’ press on several occasions, and it had them 2-1 ahead with half an hour to play.

But live by the sword, die by the sword. A horrific error by ‘Well goalkeeper Calum Ward led to Benjamin Nygren’s equaliser, and the game slipping away from Motherwell.

Gabby Agbonlahor on Motherwell’s approach against Celtic

Playing out from the back has always split opinion.

For many within coaching, analysis and management spheres, it’s sometimes essential for creating phase. For many in the media sphere, it’s idealistic nonsense.

READ MORE: Brilliant Italian commentary surfaces of Daizen Maeda’s Celtic winner vs Motherwell

Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking on TalkSPORT, made his thoughts clear on Ward’s error whilst discussing the Alan Brazil, whose thoughts on playing out can be easily guessed.

He said: “I watched the goal on the weekend. I think it was third goal. Motherwell keeper, they’re playing out from the back and it’s not on.

“All of the Celtic players are there pressing, he passes it to the Motherwell defender, Celtic player just comes in, first-time finish. It was embarrassing.

“They’re trying to get everyone to press forward so your wingers are one-v-one. When it comes off, it looks great, but the majority of time it doesn’t and you concede goals from it.”

Agbonlahor clearly isn’t an expert on Scottish football, but he was eligible to represent the Tartan Army as a player.

Will Motherwell’s approach against Celtic catch on?

More and more teams are pressing higher around world football, but this is often not the case when teams come to Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership.

Motherwell’s approach very nearly got them a result – but it’s fair to say that they are an extreme example of growing tactical trends.

Falkirk under John McGlynn have earned plaudits for their style, whilst Hearts under Derek McInnes are top of the table with a varied brand of football.

The Bairns are the next side to come to Celtic Park domestically, on the evening of Wednesday, October 29th.