Reo Hatate scored the winner to help Celtic produce one of the narrow football results of the weekend in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic entered the game trailing their rivals for the first time this season as a result of Rangers’ convincing 4-0 victory over Hearts in the early kickoff. After Kyogo Furuhashi’s early goal was cancelled out by Josip Juranovic’s own goal, Japanese midfielder Hatate scored from 25 yards to seal the victory. Callum McGregor was given a straight red for bringing down Well midfielder Ross Tierney as he raced through on goal, and Ange Postecoglou’s team finished the game with 10 men.
In place of the injured Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers, Celtic once more lined up with Moritz Jenz and Stephen Welsh in the centre of their defence. Motherwell lost Rolando Aarons and Joe Efford to hamstring injuries, while Carl Slattery was still missing, however, Ricki Lamie started despite being injured. Jota missed an early opportunity that fell into Liam Kelly’s hands, although Motherwell typically defended well up until the 15th minute when a straightforward move resulted in the first goal.
In the left channel, McGregor sprinted and passed the ball outside to Jota, whose initial cross was received by Matt O’Riley. The midfielder’s header was unstoppable, and Furuhashi made sure it crossed the goal line. Jota’s cross caused McGregor to miss his target shortly after, and Motherwell nearly scored when Barry Maguire failed to control Paul McGinn’s cross at an eight-yard distance. Just before Connor Shields warmed Hart’s hands after Motherwell’s greatest play of the half, Juranovic struck the bar with a 22-yard free-kick.
The equaliser was the result of the ensuing corner. Daizen Maeda deflected Sean Goss’ throw with his head, and Blair Spittal lofted the ball back into the penalty area. When given the chance, the visitors moved men forward, but they were harshly penalised for leaving Hatate unattended as Celtic prepared for a corner. Hatate took a touch and blasted into the far corner after Jota spotted the Japanese midfielder from 25 yards away.
For more football results, click here
