Ryan Christie’s pitched cross for Scott Sinclair to open the scoring with a volley was a thing of beauty. It was 30 minutes into the game and Motherwell were withstanding everything Celtic could muster; it was going to take something special to open them up. Sinclair’s finish was accomplished.
Ewan Henderson, on his first start in senior football, created space on the right wing to send a ball onto the forehead of Odsonne Eduard for the French striker to score his first of the day. His second, which arrived on 88 minutes, but was just as crucial, was a thundering free kick from 26 yards, which clipped the underside of the bar on its way in.
You wait weeks for a great goal then you get four in one afternoon. James Forrest darted into the box before sliding the ball into the path of Oliver Burke, who finished in the top corner.
So good for Celtic, but the story of this game runs a little deeper. As though our central mid problems were not significant enough, Ryan Christie collapsed injured, prompting Kris Ajer to knock the ball out of play. But, also making his first start in senior football was Motherwell’s 18-year-old striker, James Scott.
Scott collected the subsequent uncontested throw-in, which convention dictated would be returned to Celtic, but the teenager ran into the empty Celtic half and fired a shot at Scott Bain. The Celtic keeper saved, but Scott had an accomplice in the form of 24-year-old Gboly Ariyibi, who scored with the rebound.
At this point, the game needed someone of character to make the right decision. Unfortunately, this proverbial football fell at the feet of Motherwell manager, Steve Robinson. He just “didn’t know what to do”. Motherwell accepted the advantage their break with acceptable standards provided them with, without recourse.
I get teenagers make worse mistakes than this, although we should be clear, he has played the game all his life and will be more familiar with this scenario than you or I. I could also understand that Robinson was caught like a rabbit in the disco lights, but then the Motherwell manager tried to throw Celtic fans under the bus in a clear case of whataboutery in his post-match interview, by accusing them of celebrating the departure of injured Carl McHugh. Robinson has already told the radio audience McHugh has been knocked unconscious for the fourth time in his career.
This context was unavailable to Celtic fans during the game. The context of Robinson’s comments were crystal clear. It was shoddy, calculated and therefore worse than James Scott’s earlier transgression.
If you like football of the blood and snotters variety, the remaining 39 minutes, plus 9 minutes added-time, were right up your street. The goal upset Celtic’s hold on the game and until Edouard’s late strike, Motherwell controlled the game. But, the champions had enough and finished the visitors off in distinguished fashion.
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new article posted.
TLWIO @ 11.55
You brought up KPIs.
My comments are that — if they exist — they are not worth the paper they are written on.
Clydeport FP — Former pupils — plays a part in this wage bonus charade.
FP No.1 — Convenor of the wages committee at CP.
FP No.2 — CEO who benefits from the largess.
And could you lot stop entertaining the wind up troll Madmitch/Ernie Lynch please? It’s getting beyond embarrassing.
The Board and Brendan are making Dave King look like Nostradamus
Exiled Tim . Totally agree pal . Something serious has gone wrong behind the scenes .
Must say this is not a surprise to me , BR has clearly been put in his place by our absent landlord , and his henchman . Had big jock not demanded total control of football matters , the big gold star
Would not be shining bright above celtic park . When BR said he didn’t,t know about a player we were reported to have signed , then that was that . Sorry to see him go , he will no doubt take his backroom staff with him ,and in the summer . He will have the pick of our out of contract and loan players . So sad .
I know the supporters will all be split if Brendan leaves (which looks imminent).
Brendan and Peter L will both be criticized. I am just in shock at how quickly everything has happened.
If Brendan leaves today then I am afraid I will be disappointed with his decision to leave before the season’s end. He has given us supporters great times which we will always be remember but if leaves now then it leaves a sickening taste in the mouth.
Brendan is a Celtic supporter. Even if obviously there are problems with BR/PL’s relationship surely they could have left to the end of the season.
I am not thinking about a treble treble or 9 , 10 in a row.
I am now worried about getting the league finished this season.
As someone commented previously Brendan had a choice of treble treble potentially this season or going down to a second-rate EPL Club with a small chance of getting relegated this season.
We are all Celtic supporters and not one of us would do what Brendan is/has done.
I just hope the team can perform to their abilities over the next few weeks.
Brendan could have done the right thing by the team/supporters but it appears he is just focused on what is good for him.
Hail Hail !