Turning points matter more than form

No one can convince you or I Celtic played well, against The ‘Well, yesterday.  Throughout the first half, the players looked like strangers.  At times, Motherwell ripped us open.  This was not league winning form.  None of that matters, though.

When you are not playing well, all that matters is you pick up wins until you get your form back.  Another injury-time win at Fir Park this season kept us within touching distance of the top.  When Adam Idah scored his second, you and I knew, and you better believe Newco fans knew, Celtic are still in this title race.  The Pretenders have the most effective trophy winning operation in Europe breathing down their necks, be sure, they will feel it.

Alistair Johnston returned at right back but looked like he had hardly played with Nicolas Kuhn before – he has hardly played with him.  Greg Taylor was a welcome sight at left back, he too looked estranged from his left wing partner, Daizen Maeda, fewer excuses there.

Tomoki Iwata made a rare and accomplished appearance in the deep midfield role, allowing Callum McGregor to partner Matt O’Riley in the more advanced roles.  Neither Callum nor Matt performed to their normal levels.  Kyogo was a virtual spectator.

Goals change games and Adam Idah scored two stunners which not only changed the game but may change the season.  His first, from a Taylor cross, his second, from Johnston’s cross; both full backs back and doing what is required.  The third came from another cross, this time Yang’s, who found Luis Palma to settle the nerves.  Hopefully Brendan will soon learn who his best wingers are.

The second half was peppered with the influential return of Cameron Carter-Vickers, such a steadying figure for Celtic, he snuffed out the persistent threat from Motherwell’s Theo Bair.  It was good to see the players with genuine smiles on their faces at the end.  There remains a lot to do but let’s hope this was a turning point.