Celtic pass important Motherwell test, but we have learned nothing new
Celtic got back to winning ways in their first game after the international break, ending a three-game losing streak. It was an important test for Martin O'Neill's men to pass, and they did.
Camilo Duran opened the scoring in the first half to ease nerves, and Benjam Nygren added a second half goal to allow the Hoops to breathe easier in the second half. But while Celtic generally executed well in most phases, Motherwell were particularly poor.
The home side barely offered anything going forward, and the Hoops simply weren't tested like they have been in their last few games. But they can only beat what is in front of them, and it was important to rediscover some of their confidence here.
Not everyone did that. Kasper Hogh is still struggling in front of goal, but Camilo Duran got on the scoresheet, Mika Baur was excellent, and Callum McGregor looked much better in the middle.
Jota came back after 18 months and that will be a huge boost for the club and fans.
Celtic needed some positivity and they found some, which was all you could ask. It was a professional display, and had it not been for Alex Paulsen in goals, who was brilliant, it would have been five or six.
There is a caveat, though, and that caveat is that we still haven't learned anything new about Celtic. We knew they could beat lesser sides, and Motherwell are one of those teams. They have been poor this season and they looked poor on Sunday.
What we need to see from Celtic is them win a big game against a good team, and they will get the chance to answer those questions over the next couple of weeks. The Hoops now face Benfica away, the Hearts and Celta Vigo at home, and those three games are going to be very difficult.
We need to see two wins from those three games if we are to believe that the Bhoys have learned from their shortcomings in big games so far this season.
For now, Celtic have bounced back in the right way, and it was a vital dose of confidence ahead of what could be a tough couple of weeks. Some players who have been struggling played well, and Martin O'Neill will be pleased with what he saw from his side, and now it's on to Lisbon for a scarly-looking Europa League clash.
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