“Motherwell TRAPPED themselves. We could have made it 4 or 5 goals, BUT…” – Brendan Rodgers speaks on yesterday’s match; reveals what Motherwell did DURING the game, and the 2 Celtic players that made the WINNING possible.

Celtic clinched a decisive 3-0 victory over Motherwell, with manager Brendan Rodgers expressing his satisfaction over the team’s performance, particularly following a challenging midweek Champions League match. Speaking to BBC Sportsound, Rodgers acknowledged the anticipated intensity from Motherwell, calling them a “well-organized team.”

Reflecting on the first half, Rodgers noted that Motherwell’s defensive setup initially posed challenges for Celtic. The team’s early issues stemmed from their tendency to “trap themselves,” which limited offensive fluidity. However, as the game progressed, Celtic found success by frequently switching the play, which began to expose spaces in Motherwell’s defense. This strategic adjustment led to Celtic’s opening goal, breaking the deadlock.

The second half marked a notable improvement in Celtic’s game management. Rodgers praised his players’ ability to control possession and create scoring opportunities, leading to two additional goals. He highlighted Ali Johnston’s goal as particularly impressive, along with other missed chances that could have pushed the scoreline even higher. “The players were excellent, scored two really good goals… and we had chances to make it four or five,” Rodgers stated.

Rodgers commended Luke McCowan for his energy, work ethic, and goal-scoring potential, calling him a “goal threat” and appreciating his dedication on the field. McCowan’s recent performances have solidified his role as a valuable contributor, either by creating or scoring goals. “I’m not surprised [by Luke’s performance],” Rodgers remarked. “I’ve seen the quality and energy he has… he’s settled in well and worked very hard.”

The win underscores Celtic’s adaptability and depth, allowing them to maintain strong league form despite a grueling schedule. Rodgers acknowledged that the victory at Motherwell’s stadium, traditionally a challenging venue, reflects the players’ commitment to the game plan and team success.