2020-08-30: Celtic 3-0 Motherwell, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2021 – 2022

Trivia

Sunday, KO 3pm
Rescheduled to 30th from 29th to assist Motherwell for their Europa League match (which they won)
No crowds due to Covid-19
No striker starts (again) for Celtic.
Lennon plays exact same side as lost in Europe a few days back, cynics see this as him putting his foot down after the vast criticism on the team selected that lost, the more zealous think it’s ego-led.
New player, David Turnbull bought from M’well, starts on the bench (does not play)
Ex-Celt Tony Watt starts for M’well.
Christoph Julien dedicated his goal to actor Chadwick Boseman (star of Black Panther) who sadly died prematurely at just 43, RIP.
Ex-Celt Pat McCluskey has sadly passed away RIP.
Celtic bid to get fans back in for Motherwell clash killed off by Scottish Government. Yet Rugby test event still going ahead. Disgraceful but not unexpected.

28 Aug: Edinburgh 3 – 15 Glasgow: 700 fans watch home side lose to Warriors

First sporting event in Scotland to host supporters since lockdown.

Celtic signed Motherwell’s David Turnbull for £3.25m just a few days back.
Lot of disquiet at Celtic following disastrous performance & defeat to Ferencvaros in the European Cup qualifiers.
Neil Lennon has urged his want-away players to settle down and focus on the bid for 10 in a row.
Bolingoli 5 match suspension, 2 of which are suspended Won’t matter a jot I suppose.
On Loan Bayo: To the amazement of all at Celtic, Bayo on his debut for Toulose scored twice albeit in a 4-2 defeat in the French Ligue 2 (second tier).
Transfers:
- Celtic signed Motherwell’s David Turnbull for £3.25m just a few days back.
- Celtic are braced for a six-club bidding war for Odsonne Edouard with Leicester City, Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Leeds United all very keen on landing the French forward.
- Ajer & Ntcham have handed in transfer requests.
- Scott Robertson has signed a new three-year contract with Celtic

Summary

Neil Lennon: “It was a good reaction and players are starting to look better – Jullien, Forrest, Ajer are all starting to get into a real match rhythm.”

“I like what I saw today for large spells of the game. I wanted a response today from the players and I got one.”

Neil Lennon: “I make decisions and you live and die off them for what you think is for the benefit of the club. “It’s not some sort of ego trip. “I have always put the players first and the club first.”

(Etims on Twitters)

First half dire apart from one bit of magic. Second half all Celtic..but..striker chg stretched them & got best out of Christie & team who looked far better. We should never (unless all injured) start a domestic game without a striker…EVER.

Christie and McGregor terrific the second half. Frimpers also excellent. Felt Klimala did some great runs and made a big difference, should have scored but he created his own chance by pressing defender. Ajeti looks solid with good touch. Pls pls #NeilLennon stick with 3-5-2

Teams

Celtic

1Barkas
44Elhamed
2Jullien
35Ajer
3Taylor Substituted forFrimpongat 62’minutes
8BrownBooked at 22mins
42McGregor
49Forrest
21Ntcham Substituted forAjetiat 71’minutes
27Elyounoussi Substituted forKlimalaat 45’minutes
17Christie

Substitutes

6Bitton
10Ajeti
11Klimala
12Soro
14Turnbull
29Bain
30Frimpong
53Harper
55McInroy

Goals

Forrest (40′ minutes),
Ajeti (74′ minutes),
Jullien (90’+2 minutes)

Motherwell

1Carson
33O’Donnell
31Gallagher
16Mugabi
4LamieBooked at 55mins Substituted forWhiteat 69’minutes
2GrimshawBooked at 89mins
6Campbell
7O’Hara
19Polworth
99Long Substituted forHyltonat 88’minutes
32Watt Substituted forLangat 59’minutes

Substitutes

9White
11Hastie
14Hylton
15Maguire
17Seedorf
21Robinson
23Morrison
26Cornelius
29Lang

Referee:

Don Robertson

Att: zero

Articles

Match Report (see below)

Pictures

Match Pictures

Match Links

Stats

Celtic

Motherwell

Possession

Home67%

Away33%

Shots

Home17

Away5

Shots on Target

Home5

Away1

Corners

Home7

Away3

Fouls

Home11

Away10

Articles

Celtic 3 – 0 Motherwell: Lennon’s men shake off their Champions League blues

Champions return to league action with a routine victory

By Stephen Halliday

Sunday, 30th August 2020, 6:24 pm

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic-3-0-motherwell-lennons-men-shake-their-champions-league-blues-2957055

While the Champions League now seems to bring only turbulence and discord for Celtic, their domestic assignments will invariably offer them safe haven.

So it proved yet again as Wednesday night’s European misery against Ferencvaros was followed by an ultimately comprehensive and routine Premiership victory over Motherwell.

Celtic: Get the latest team news, match previews and reports

It took Neil Lennon’s side time to hit their stride but from the moment James Forrest put them ahead, the outcome was never really in doubt. Further strikes by substitute Albian Ajeti and defender Christopher Jullien sealed the deal for the Scottish champions as they look to track the early pace being set in the title race by Rangers.

Forrest’s first goal of the season soothed what might have become an increasing sense of agitation in Celtic’s play when it gave them the breakthrough five minutes before the interval.

Lennon’s men had struggled up until then to create any clear-cut opportunities against an impressively robust and diligent Motherwell defence.

Once again, the Celtic manager had decided that their pursuit of goals would have to be undertaken without the presence of a recognised striker. With Odsonne Edouard still ruled out by a thigh injury, Ajeti and Patryk Klimala were once more deemed only worthy of places among the substitutes as Lennon stuck with the starting line-up which had lost to Ferencvaros four days earlier.

It left Ryan Christie occupying the “false nine” position, occasionally drifting wider when Olivier Ntcham took up a more advanced role. While Celtic dictated the tempo and dominated possession, they were often reduced to delivering hopeful crosses which Motherwell dealt with gratefully.

Mohamed Elyounoussi flashed a snap shot well over before Ntcham dragged an effort just wide of Trevor Carson’s right hand post as Celtic were largely restricted to efforts from distance.

While Motherwell spent most of their time on the back foot, there was an irony in the visitors’ team selection by which they went with two strikers in the shape of Chris Long and former Celtic man Tony Watt.

It was an indication of their willingness to show attacking ambition whenever possible and it needed a good tackle inside the penalty area by Jullien to prevent Long getting a shot away after Mark O’Hara had taken advantage of a sloppy loss of possession by Celtic captain Scott Brown.

Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas then had to scramble less than convincingly to his right to bundle a shot by Liam Grimshaw wide for a corner under pressure from Long.

The hosts were soon back in command and it took a fine piece of defending by Grimshaw on the edge of the six-yard box to stop Forrest getting on the end of a dangerous cross by Callum McGregor.

Brown was booked for a cynical foul on Bevis Mugabe after the Ugandan defender had surged out of his own half to spark a threatening counter attack.

Allan Campbell was perhaps fortunate to escape a yellow card when he halted Forrest in similarly premeditated style and Celtic were unable to exact any further punishment with the free-kick which Christie blazed well over the top.

Motherwell’s game plan looked set to take them into the break with a stalemate which was more than satisfactory from their perspective. But they finally let their guard slip for Forrest’s opener.

As Celtic broke up a Motherwell attack, McGregor led the charge with a thrusting run down the left from inside his own half. He picked out Forrest’s supporting run on the right and as the winger jostled his way into the penalty area, Motherwell defender Rickie Lamie chose to stand off him. Forrest needed no further encouragement as he arrowed a right-foot shot around Lamie and beyond the right hand of Carson into the corner of the net.

Motherwell had a half chance to grab an equaliser in first-half stoppage time when Stephen O’Donnell’s cross found its way to Watt but the angle was too tight for the striker to seriously trouble Barkas.

Celtic began the second half with Klimala introduced to replace Elyounoussi, giving the £3.5 million Polish front man an opportunity to show his omission from the starting 11 was an error on Lennon’s part. But Klimala did nothing to add to the credibility of that claim when, with his first sight of goal, he executed a fresh-air swipe at the ball when Greg Taylor flashed it low across the six-yard box.

Brown lived dangerously with a clumsy foul on Campbell which several Motherwell players indicated to referee Don Robertson might have been worthy of a second yellow card.

It was scrappy fare and while Motherwell were scarcely carrying any attacking menace now, Celtic were eager for the insurance of a second goal. It duly came their way from Ajeti, only three minutes after the £5 million recruit from West Ham United had replaced Ntcham.

He had already been denied an even quicker impact when a tremendous block by Declan Gallagher stopped him getting on the end of a cross from fellow substitute Jeremie Frimpong.

But Ajeti found all the time and space he needed to double Celtic’s lead when he controlled a pass from Kristoffer Ajer with a sharp first touch before guiding a right-foot shot beyond Carson from ten yards.

Klimala squandered another glorious chance to get his name on the scoresheet when he was sent clear on goal, his shot lacking conviction and too close to Carson who made a decent save.

Forrest was unfortunate to see a shot hit the crossbar as Celtic continued to look for the bigger margin of victory their dominance deserved. They were finally rewarded in stoppage time when Jullien popped up on the left of the penalty area to receive a Frimpong pass and steer a left-foot shot across Carson into the far corner of the net.

BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53878257

By Thomas Duncan

BBC Scotland

1 hour ago From the section Scottish Premiership

Forrest’s first goal of the season gave Celtic victory

James Forrest’s first goal of the season set Celtic on the way to victory

Celtic bounced back from their midweek Champions League exit with a Scottish Premiership victory over belligerent Motherwell.

James Forrest’s first goal of the season put the champions in front despite a frustrating first half.

Albian Ajeti came on to score for the second time this season and Christopher Jullien secured the win.

Victory moves Celtic six points behind leaders Rangers, having played two fewer games.

Another defeat means Motherwell are the only Premiership side without a win this season, and they prop up the table as a result.

Reaction & as it happened

How did the players rate?

Despite suggesting some of his players’ focus lay elsewhere after Wednesday’s Champions League exit against Ferencvaros, manager Neil Lennon picked the same side.

That meant Ryan Christie as the centre-forward in the absence of the injured Odsonne Edouard, with two more natural strikers in Ajeti and Patryk Klimala on the bench, with Lennon repeating pre-match that he does not consider either of them fit enough to start.

The decision yielded the same frustrating results as Celtic failed to register a single shot on target until the 39th minute, when Forrest arrowed the ball beyond Trevor Carson after Callum McGregor’s superb run from his own half.

Klimala was introduced for Mohamed Elyounoussi at half-time and had a golden chance to make the desired impact, but he could not adjust his feet in time to tap home Greg Taylor’s ball across the six-yard box.

The Polish striker later passed up another opportunity to make it 3-0 as he was denied by Carson once clean through.

Ajeti, despite having less time to make an impact, finished ruthlessly when presented with space in the box, as he controlled Kristoffer Ajer’s pass before firing into the corner.

The game became stretched in the closing stages and Motherwell conceded a third when centre-back Jullien found space in the box and slid in a composed finish.

Man of the match – Callum McGregor

Even when Celtic were struggling in the first half, McGregor was the one who looked likely to create, and his surging run from his own half set up Forrest’s opener

What did we learn?

Whether it was to prove a point, or to allow the same players to redeem themselves, Lennon’s decision to pick the same team raised eyebrows, and the opening 39 minutes will not have done much to convince it was the right call.

Playing as the notional centre-forward, Christie was easily marshalled by Motherwell’s impressive back three, and the fact he registered the most crosses in the first half is evidence that Celtic lacked a focal point in attack again.

Despite his poor finishing, Klimala did make an impact with his movement, and Ajeti’s finish – his second goal from the bench this season – suggests he will play a major part once up to full fitness.

Jeremie Frimpong’s impact off the bench was impressive, as it was on Wednesday, and also served to question his absence from the starting team.

Motherwell can be pleased with their defensive work for large periods, but as has been the case this season, lapses in concentration cost them.

The second and third goals came as manager Stephen Robinson had replaced centre-back Rickie Lamie with striker Jordan White in order to chase the game, but the first came from Stephen O’Donnell’s slack pass. It undid all the good work of the first half, and left them with a difficult task.

What they said

Celtic manager Neil Lennon: “First-half was a little bit lukewarm. I didn’t think we had the tempo I like the team to play at, but it was a great first goal.

“We wanted a little bit more zest in the second half and we got that.”

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson: “I thought we were really organised, disciplined in the first-half and frustrated them.

“I judge myself against teams like that and I’m desperate to get a result, but overall we won’t be judged by games against Celtic and Rangers.”

What’s next?

After the international break Celtic travel to Dingwall to play Ross County, while Motherwell will try to get their first league win against St Johnstone at Fir Park.

Match ends, Celtic 3, Motherwell 0.

90’+3′

Full Time

Second Half ends, Celtic 3, Motherwell 0.

90’+2′

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 3, Motherwell 0. Christopher Jullien (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Jeremie Frimpong following a fast break.

89′

Booking

Liam Grimshaw (Motherwell) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

89′

Post update

Jeremie Frimpong (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.

89′

Post update

Foul by Liam Grimshaw (Motherwell).

88′

Substitution

Substitution, Motherwell. Jermaine Hylton replaces Chris Long.

88′

Post update

Attempt missed. Christopher Jullien (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Hatem Elhamed with a cross following a corner.

87′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Allan Campbell.

86′

Post update

Corner, Motherwell. Conceded by Kristoffer Ajer.

85′

Post update

Attempt saved. Liam Grimshaw (Motherwell) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Callum Lang.

82′

Post update

Albian Ajeti (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.

82′

Post update

Foul by Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell).

82′

Post update

Foul by Christopher Jullien (Celtic).

82′

Post update

Jordan White (Motherwell) wins a free kick on the left wing.

81′

Post update

James Forrest (Celtic) hits the bar with a right footed shot from outside the box. Assisted by Ryan Christie.

81′

Post update

Attempt missed. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Callum McGregor.

79′

Post update

Foul by Kristoffer Ajer (Celtic).

79′

Post update

Callum Lang (Motherwell) wins a free kick on the right wing.

79′

Post update

Attempt saved. Ryan Christie (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Callum McGregor.

78′

Post update

Attempt missed. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Albian Ajeti.

78′

Post update

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

78′

Post update

Foul by Chris Long (Motherwell).

76′

Post update

Attempt saved. Patryk Klimala (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.

74′

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 2, Motherwell 0. Albian Ajeti (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Kristoffer Ajer.

73′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Albian Ajeti (Celtic) right footed shot from very close range is blocked. Assisted by Jeremie Frimpong.

72′

Post update

Attempt missed. Liam Polworth (Motherwell) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.

71′

Post update

Offside, Motherwell. Callum Lang tries a through ball, but Chris Long is caught offside.

71′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Albian Ajeti replaces Olivier Ntcham.

69′

Substitution

Substitution, Motherwell. Jordan White replaces Ricki Lamie.

68′

Post update

Foul by Kristoffer Ajer (Celtic).

68′

Post update

Chris Long (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

66′

Post update

Dangerous play by Scott Brown (Celtic).

66′

Post update

Allan Campbell (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

65′

Post update

Attempt missed. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by James Forrest.

63′

Post update

Jeremie Frimpong (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.

63′

Post update

Foul by Chris Long (Motherwell).

62′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Jeremie Frimpong replaces Greg Taylor.

59′

Substitution

Substitution, Motherwell. Callum Lang replaces Tony Watt.

56′

Post update

Attempt blocked. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ryan Christie.

55′

Booking

Ricki Lamie (Motherwell) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

55′

Post update

James Forrest (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

55′

Post update

Foul by Ricki Lamie (Motherwell).

53′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Allan Campbell.

52′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Scott Brown.

49′

Post update

Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).

49′

Post update

Chris Long (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

49′

Post update

Offside, Motherwell. Liam Polworth tries a through ball, but Tony Watt is caught offside.

45′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Patryk Klimala replaces Mohamed Elyounoussi.

Second Half

Second Half begins Celtic 1, Motherwell 0.

45’+2′

Half Time

First Half ends, Celtic 1, Motherwell 0.

45’+2′

Post update

Attempt missed. Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Liam Polworth with a cross following a corner.

45’+2′

Post update

Corner, Motherwell. Conceded by Callum McGregor.

44′

Post update

Offside, Motherwell. Declan Gallagher tries a through ball, but Stephen O’Donnell is caught offside.

42′

Post update

Foul by Ryan Christie (Celtic).

42′

Post update

Ricki Lamie (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

40′

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 1, Motherwell 0. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Callum McGregor following a fast break.

39′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Liam Grimshaw (Motherwell) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Chris Long.

38′

Post update

Offside, Celtic. Greg Taylor tries a through ball, but Callum McGregor is caught offside.

37′

Post update

Hand ball by Liam Grimshaw (Motherwell).

33′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Liam Grimshaw.

32′

Post update

Foul by Christopher Jullien (Celtic).

32′

Post update

Chris Long (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

29′

Post update

Callum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

29′

Post update

Foul by Mark O’Hara (Motherwell).

28′

Post update

Attempt missed. Ryan Christie (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is too high from a direct free kick.

27′

Post update

James Forrest (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

27′

Post update

Foul by Allan Campbell (Motherwell).

27′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ricki Lamie.

22′

Booking

Scott Brown (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

22′

Post update

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).

22′

Post update

Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

20′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Liam Grimshaw.

19′

Post update

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

19′

Post update

Foul by Liam Grimshaw (Motherwell).

18′

Post update

Foul by Greg Taylor (Celtic).

18′

Post update

Liam Polworth (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

15′

Post update

Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).

15′

Post update

Liam Polworth (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

13′

Post update

Attempt missed. Ryan Christie (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Hatem Elhamed with a cross.

12′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ricki Lamie.

11′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Liam Grimshaw.

9′

Post update

Corner, Motherwell. Conceded by Vasilios Barkas.

9′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Liam Grimshaw (Motherwell) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Mark O’Hara.

6′

Post update

Attempt missed. Olivier Ntcham (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Callum McGregor.

5′

Post update

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

5′

Post update

Foul by Liam Polworth (Motherwell).

4′

Post update

Foul by Hatem Elhamed (Celtic).

4′

Post update

Liam Polworth (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

3′

Post update

Attempt missed. Mohamed Elyounoussi (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left.

Kick Off

First Half begins.

Posted at 16:0416:04

Post update

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.