Celtic secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory at Fir Park, with Jota marking his return with a dramatic stoppage-time goal to wrap up the three points. Brendan Rodgers’ side were made to work for their win, but ultimately, their quality shone through.
Lightning Start for Celtic
Celtic wasted no time in asserting their dominance, taking the lead within the first minute. Daizen Maeda rose highest to meet Anthony Ralston’s pinpoint cross, nodding the ball past Motherwell goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe to give the hoops a dream start. It was the fastest goal in the Premiership this season and set the tone for what many expected to be a comfortable afternoon for Celtic.
Motherwell Fight Back
Despite Celtic’s early lead, Motherwell refused to crumble. The hosts responded in the 23rd minute through Luke Armstrong, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up from Auston Trusty to slot the ball into the bottom corner. It was a well-taken finish from the Carlisle United loanee, ensuring the Steelmen were back on level terms and keeping the game finely poised.
Idah Restores Celtic’s Lead
Celtic’s response was swift, as Adam Idah restored the Hoops lead in the 29th minute. A slick passing move involving Reo Hatate, Luke McCowan, and Daizen Maeda ended with the Irish striker finishing from close range, netting his 11th goal of the season. It was another example of the Irish striker’s forward instincts as he continues to impress in Celtic colours.
VAR Drama and Missed Chances
The second half saw Celtic push for a third goal, but a series of missed opportunities kept the game in the balance. Cameron Carter-Vickers headed over from close range, while Reo Hatate and Jota both went close but failed to find the target. A moment of controversy arrived when Tom Sparrow put the ball into his own net, only for VAR to rule it out due to Idah allegedly being offside in the build-up.
Jota’s Instant Impact
Returning to Celtic after his spell away, Jota wasted no time in reminding fans of his quality. Introduced in the second half, he instantly added a creative spark, showing his trademark flair and confidence on the ball. His late goal was the perfect way to cap off his comeback, securing the victory and reigniting excitement among the supporters. With his ability to change games in an instant, Jota’s return could prove to be a huge boost for Celtic in the second half of the season.
While it wasn’t the most convincing performance from Celtic, the result was all that mattered. With the Hoops 10 points clear of second-placed Rangers with a game in hand, they now turn their attention to Dundee at Celtic Park on Wednesday night, with the opportunity to extend their lead to 13 points in the rescheduled match that was previously postponed due to the damage Storm Eowyn caused at Celtic Park.
