Celtic returned back to winning ways after a disappointing week, with a 3-0 win over Motherwell.
A much improved second-half performance, saw the Hoops dominate the Steelmen, with James Forrest, Albian Ajeti and Christopher Jullien grabbing the goals.
Surprisingly, Neil Lennon chose to stick with the same side which lost to Hungarian Champions Ferencvaros midweek. That included Ryan Christie being the man to lead the line again today.
The Celts didn’t get off to the greatest of starts in the first-half but still looked like the better side, keeping the ball well without creating many chances.
Within half an hour, Celtic had a succession of corners but Ryan Christie failed to hit anyone in the box wearing green and white.
Late on in the first half, James Forrest opened the scoring for the Scottish Champions. A superb run by Callum McGregor which started in his own half led to the midfielder playing a ball across the edge of the box to Forrest. The winger then stood up his man and stuck the ball into the far corner, with a brilliant finish.
At half-time, Neil Lennon made the change to bring on a striker and the formation to three at the back. This is where things improved for the hoops with this tactical switch.
Almost right away, the Polish striker was showing his impact, holding the ball up and making runs in behind. He also came close to grabbing a goal, when a ball across goal from Greg Taylor looked to fall for him.
At first, it looked like a sitter from Klimala but when looking at the replay, Motherwell keeper Trevor Carson got a slight touch on the ball.
The Scottish Champions doubled their goals through Albian Ajeti. After some good work by Christie on the right-hand side, he managed to switch the ball over to the other side. This left Kristoffer Ajer in space. The Norwegian defender then played a brilliant through-ball into the feet of Ajeti, who smashed the ball home.
Just minutes later, Celtic almost had a third. A slip from Bevis Mugabi allowed Patryk Klimala to run one-on-one with Trevor Carson. The Northern Irishman spread himself well though and saved Klimala’ s effort easily.
Forrest was next to have a shot at goal, looking to get his second of the day. Coming in off the left-hand side, Forrest had a shot which looked to be heading towards the top corner but it smashed off the crossbar and went over.
The game was rounded off with a good counter-attacking goal from Celtic. A good touch by Ajeti, allowed Frimpong space to run into. For some reason, Christopher Jullien found himself in a striker position on the left side of the box and when Frimpong found him not many expected a great finish by the French defender. But that’s exactly what he did, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner on his left foot.
The second half was definitely much improved from what we have seen in recent weeks and for me, that is down to the change of system at half-time when he brought on Patryk Klimala and switched to three at the back.
Now, we have an international break. We should look to get work done on the training pitch and hopefully bring in another central defender which would allow us to finally switch to what is though to be a favoured formation of Neil Lennon’s, the 3-5-2
The Celts will return to domestic action on the 12th of September in the league against Ross County, where we could also see the return of around 300 supporters.
Player Ratings
Vasilis Barkas- 6
Yet another game in which Barkas was barely tested.
Had one save in the first-half which he was stretching for but managed to tip it out for a corner.
Second half had more of the ball at his feet than in his hands. Will be happy to get his third clean sheet.
Hatem Elhamed- 7
Was unusually poor on Wednesday but back to his reliable self again. Composed when on the ball and defended well.
Played at right-back in the first half but switched to the right of a back three in the second. A position we could see more of in the future.
Christopher Jullien- 7
The French defender had several tussles with former Celtic striker Tony Watt in the first-half, done well and was dominant when needed.
Played centre of a back three in the second-half but somehow managed to find himself in the striker position to grab the third goal of the game with a brilliant finish on his left foot.
Kristoffer Ajer- 7
Both central defenders up against a striker each today, which is not usually the case in Scottish Football.
Dealt with whatever came his way, much better from the defensive duo. Also showed his pace when need back there.
Grabbed an assist with a nice pass into the feet of Albian Ajeti. Adds a lot to the team going forward and bringing the ball out of defence.
Greg Taylor- 5
The left-back didn’t have the greatest day. Done okay going back but at the same time wasn’t much for him to do, with Motherwell playing more defensive wing-backs.
Crossing was poor at times, especially in the first-half, without having a recognised striker to aim for. Could have had an assist when squaring the ball to Klimala but Carson got a good touch.
Scott Brown- 6
Solid in the midfield and had a few interesting battles with Liam Polworth and Allan Campbell in there.
Was booked early on but kept his discipline throughout. Possibly wasn’t needed as much when switching to a back three but still tidied things up and tried to be a driving force.
Callum McGregor- 9
Superb performance from the Scottish midfielder today. Set up the first goal with a brilliant run from his own half, beating several Motherwell players.
Always on the turn and looking for the next pass. Voted Man of the Match by the fans and deservedly so after the game he had. Was the centre of most things created for Celtic in the second half.
Oliver Ntcham- 7
Another good game from Ntcham who has looked like one of the brighter sparks in recent weeks, where others haven’t
Lots of speculation around his future during the week but didn’t seem to affect him too much. Got into some good positions on the park. Was replaced for the goal scorer Albian Ajeti.
James Forrest- 8
Much better from the winger today, his best performance of the season so far. Opened the scoring with a great finish into the side netting.
Was switched to left-wing back, later in the second half but was still a big threat, hitting the crossbar with a shot that looked destined for goal. Hopefully be seeing the best of him again.
Mohamed Elyounoussi- 4
Didn’t really get into the game, in the 45 minutes he was on the park. Left-hand side was defended well by Motherwell.
Was substituted off for Patryk Klimala to allow the change of formation.
Ryan Christie- 7
Was a surprise starter, upfront again after Wednesday night’s defeat to the hands of Ferencvaros.
Didn’t do much in the first half in terms of holding the ball-up or with his back to goal. Played better when he had a partner and was put back into his more natural midfield position.
Kept the opposition defence busy and played a key part in the third goal.
Substitutes
Patryk Klimala- 6
Changed the game when he came on at half-time. Gave the side more of a vocal point up-front.
Held the ball up well and made some clever runs in-behind especially to create the last goal, leaving space for Jullien to go in to.
Arguably could have scored. Looked to have missed a guilt edge chance but Carson got a touch on the ball. The one-on-one he should do better with. Sure he will be let off today though after a good performance.
Jeremie Frimpong- 8
Came on with 30 minutes to play and was still arguably one of the best players on the pitch today.
Takes 2-3 defenders out the game whenever he gets the ball, due to his frightening speed which make the opposition scared to try and tackle him.
Right-wing back seems to be the perfect position for him that we will hopefully see him play more often.
Albian Ajeti- 6
Got his second league goal in two appearances, with an emphatic finish. His movement allowed the space he found inside the box.
Also started the counter-attack, feeding Jeremie Frimpong through, to get the third goal of the afternoon.
Another good run out for the 23-year old, Swiss striker.
What a load of crap mate it was only fucking Motherwell