Celtic just about got a 2-1 win in their latest Premiership match versus Motherwell as they responded to a defeat against St Mirren.
The Hoops were comfortable in the first half and were ahead inside 20 minutes when Matt O'Riley's header was turned into the net on the line by Kyogo Furuhashi. A bizarre own goal allowed Motherwell back into the game when Josip Juranovic and goalkeeper Joe Hart's communication broke down, the Croatian chesting by Celtic's helpless number one to level things up at half-time.
Steven Hammell's visitors posed little real threat but Parkhead manager Ange Postecoglou watched his side appear to deal with set-piece situations unconvincingly and 'Well missed a couple opportunities to test Hart. Reo Hatate made sure his side got a winner with a low drive into the bottom corner from outside the box as they return to the Premiership's summit, but Callum McGregor sacrificed himself by getting sent off as Ross Tierney broke through on goal. Here are three things we learned from Celtic's latest league outing.
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Carter-Vickers SOS
The American defender has been a rock for Celtic and just like the Saints match, his absence was felt here, and Carl Starfelt too.
Without him commanding the defence, they looked unsure when crosses came into the box, and a team with more quality may have punished them. German international and RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner may do so in their midweek Champions League clash.
Hatate to the rescue
This is what separates Celtic from their domestic peers. Motherwell were frustrating their hosts but up stepped the Japanese international.
He was snubbed by his country last week but showed them what they are missing with a fine 25-yard effort.
Slight lull?
Postecoglou's mantra is 'we never stop' but there's no question their levels have dipped over the last two games.
In this one, they came away with the ultimate objective but improvement will be needed in Europe. Motherwell were provided chances to exploit green and white weaknesses, leading to McGregor's dismissal.
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