BASIC COMMUNICATION
With Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers out injured it was Stephen Welsh and Moritz Jenz in from the start for Ange Postecoglou this afternoon. The pair defended astutely for the best part, but at times Kevin van Veen and the Motherwell front line caused problems on the counter. Their distribution from the back was also questionable and on numerous occasions, the Motherwell midfield were able to pick off passes from the back. Basic communication was also lacking at times in the Celtic rear-guard, and Motherwell’s leveller was a prime example. Both Josip Juranovic and Joe Hart must hold up their hands for the goal as the pair had more than enough time to deal with the cross accordingly from the right-hand side.
HATATE SHOW
It was a relatively flat Celtic performance after the international break, but Reo Hatate was an exception in the middle of the park. The Japanese midfielder was left out for his country against the USA and Ecuador and he made his feelings vocal following the fixtures. From the off, you could tell Hatate was out to prove a point and he topped off an energetic display in the middle with a fine goal. The quick corner caught Motherwell by surprise and Hatate fired home a stunning finish from the edge of the box. The 24-year-old was at fault late on for his slack pass that resulted in Callum McGregor being ordered off for a last-man offence. A word must be made for the skipper who, alongside Hatate, kept Celtic ticking after playing a pivotal role for Scotland over the international break.
BOUNCE BACK ABILITY
It will have been a long two weeks for Ange Postecoglou and his players after defeat to St Mirren before the internationals. It was a shock defeat for the current Scottish Premiership holders, and despite not being at their best today, they ensured that they bounced back to winning ways. A second defeat on the bounce was unthinkable and the pressure was on after Rangers recorded an impressive victory at Tynecastle over Hearts in the early kick-off. Postecoglou and his players deserve credit for returning to winning ways and they will now be looking to build on their form, especially with key absentees returning from injury.
