‘OUTSTANDING,’ CLAIMS BOSS – AFTER NERVY CLIMAX
NEIL LENNON insisted Celtic “played some of the best football this season” in the 2-1 win over Motherwell at Parkhead yesterday.
The Hoops dominated for about 70 minutes and threatened to overwhelm their Fir Park opponents – but had to rely on an acrobatic goal-line clearance from Diego Laxalt three minutes into stoppage-time to guarantee three points.
The champions were wobbling in the fading moments of what had been a one-way confrontation for most of the tussle.
But, despite an opening goal from Stephen Welsh inside two minutes and a second from Odsonne Edouard shortly after the interval, Lennon’s side could not kill off their opponents.
That must be a worry for the Irishman who saw his frontline partnership of the French ace and Albian Ajeti misfire after their promising performance in the 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Edouard netted two and the £5million Swiss international netted one – his sixth Hoops strike – in Ayrshire, but Ajeti was largely anonymous against Well before being withdrawn in the 68th minute to make way for Leigh Griffiths.
He arrived just two minutes after the visitors’ goal from Allan Campbell that took a wicked dip over the stranded Scott Bain after a deflection from one of his defenders.
However, Lennon focused on the positives and, speaking to the club website, said: “I thought we were outstanding for periods of the game. We scored two good goals, but should have had a lot more. Our play and energy were good. They got a slice of luck with the goal and, of course, that changed the psychology of the game a little bit.
“Our reaction was okay and their keeper made a great save from Tom Rogic. We always looked like we were pushing for a third.
“We got a little bit anxious towards the end which is understandable. That goal gave some oxygen to Motherwell. We were grateful to Diego Laxalt for a great clearance.
“I was disappointed that we didn’t get a third because we had plenty of opportunities to do that. Overall, it was a good all-round performance, some of the best football this season and a good three-points.
“We need performances like this. Not for the 70 minutes, but for the 90 – and they are capable of that. Some of the football they played was great, the body language, the energy of the team and the chances created.
“I am just disappointed that we didn’t win by more.”
