Motherwell have been frustrating to watch this season. Fans and players alike know Motherwell can be a good side, but it’s not on a consistent basis.
The Steelmen grabbed an 88th minute equaliser against Celtic on Wednesday night. Danny Johnson scored late on to secure a precious point for the Fir Park side. If you factor in a 3-3 draw with Rangers and a 3-0 victory over Aberdeen, it seems to show Motherwell can get results against the Premiership’s big boys.
Stephen Robinson’s side still languish in ninth place, despite these results. Whilst the performances against the bigger teams are promising, the Steelmen haven’t been consistent. The week after the emphatic victory over the Dons for example, Motherwell turned in a wretched display against Livingston, being beaten 2-0 by the Lions.
Motherwell haven’t had a consistent run of performances so far this season. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Added to that, the effort levels seem to go down in the games against the smaller clubs. Players who were fearless in the big games appear to go missing in the fixtures where they could really shine.
Motherwell have been a tough watch at times this term, but moments like Johnson’s equaliser give you hope. It begs the question though: if Motherwell can play well again the champions, why can’t they perform well against the smaller clubs?
Motherwell must take inspiration from Kilmarnock
The fact Motherwell manage to take points off the Old Firm, and some of the Premiership’s other big names, is a testament to the work of Robinson. He clearly knows how to gee-up his players for these big names. He doesn’t seem to have the same motivation skills when it comes to fixtures against key league rivals like Hamilton and Dundee.
The Steelmen know how to get points against the likes of Celtic. (photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
It’s hard to pinpoint why Motherwell aren’t performing on a consistent basis. Games against the likes of Accies are more important to the Steelmen than games against Celtic and Rangers. They must use Kilmarnock as an example of what can be achieved. They have the same level of performance, no matter who they play, and now they are top of the league.
Like Motherwell, they don’t have standout stars, or a particularly big budget. They are a team of hard-workers, willing to put their bodies on the line for their badge, whether they’re against St Johnstone, St Mirren, or Rangers.
Kilmarnock are a great example for Motherwell to follow.(photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Motherwell have the potential to follow in Kilmarnock’s footsteps. The players have proven they can grind out results when it matters most.
If Robinson could motivate his playing squad for the fixtures against teams near Motherwell in the table, the Steelmen could propel themselves into the top six. If they don’t find consistency, however, it’ll be another long league campaign.