Rejoice, Celtic have won another game of football. It might not have come about in the most convincing of circumstances but it’s another three points nonetheless.
That eventuality has felt like a rarity for the Bhoys this year. In 2021, they have won just three of their eight league outings.
Of course, having 13 players self-isolating after the Old Firm derby wasn’t the best news, but four straight games without a win all but put an end to their chances of winning the SPFL.
They are considerably off the pace and it’s unlikely this win will help them too much. Though, two wins in a row since their dismal defeat to St Mirren will undoubtedly help.
Typical of Celtic this season, their win over Motherwell didn’t come easy. Diego Laxalt was forced into clearing the ball off the line in the dying embers, saving Neil Lennon’s bacon.
Though, it wasn’t the Uruguayan or either of their goal scorers, Stephen Welsh and Odsonne Edouard that were Lennon’s true heroes.
Instead, it was another full-back in Greg Taylor who stole the show for the Hoops.
He was a rampaging force down the left-hand side and in the words of Glasgow Live reporter Chris Doyle, he was “everywhere.”
Doyle wrote at full-time: “(Taylor) linked up with Odsonne Edouard brilliantly. Great delivery, constantly pressing and unlucky to be subbed early. Celtic might be put off by Diego Laxalt’s asking price if he continues in this vein of form.”
Edouard may have been guilty of missing a few opportunities but he will have been grateful for the service he received from Taylor. The Scot managed as many as four key passes, a tally that was bettered by no one else on the pitch. He managed three successful crosses – again the most of any Celtic player – and performed two dribbles to boot.
That put him level with Tom Rogic for the most successful take-ons in the game for a player in green and white.
It wasn’t all about attacking qualities though. He was stern in the challenge and won five ground duels. Once again, that was more than any other Hoops player.
The 23-year-old was undoubtedly their most vibrant force as he completely tormented Motherwell. As Doyle stated, it will have them thinking twice about a permanent move for Laxalt.
The duo have both been inconsistent at times this term but this has put Taylor well and truly in the driving seat to become Lennon’s first-choice on the left side of defence.
Welsh and Edouard may take the headlines for their goals, but it was Taylor who really stole the show for the Hoops.
AND in other news, £7m Celtic brute could become a real star if Desmond hires “very demanding” 62 y/o…