Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson has been left reeling in the wake of his side’s 5-2 defeat to Celtic, putting many of the Hoops’ goals down to individual errors.
The Well got off to the perfect start when Liam Donnelly popped up with yet another goal. Kristoffer Ajer equalised just a few minutes later though, before Celtic went on to net four without reply.
Donnelly netted a consolation late on, but the Steelmen’s brilliant first half was matched by an equally terrible second.
Robinson admits that individual errors killed his side. He told the Motherwell website: “The frustrating part is Celtic didn’t have to work for four out of the five goals.
“First one is indecision, one long ball. The second one is indecision, one long punt up the pitch. We don’t deal with it and it leads to their free kick. The fourth one, bad decision trying to intercept the ball and the fifth one’s a penalty.
“If you’re going to concede goals like that against the quality that they have you’re going to get punished.”
Plenty of lessons learned for Motherwell after Celtic defeat
Motherwell started this game excellently. They were easily the best team in the opening 30 minutes before fitness and Celtic’s quality killed the game off.
Against a Hamilton or a Livingston, Robinson’s men wouldn’t have been so ruthlessly punished.
When you’re making silly errors against the eight in a row champions, you can only expect one outcome.
Robinson will have learned many things from this game. Whilst they have the capability to play exciting football, against the better teams, a game plan has to be in place to prevent a hammering.
Celtic killed Motherwell on the counter in the second half. Granted they won’t play against that quality every week, but even the likes of Aberdeen will hurt the Steelmen if they allow themselves to open up like that.
Take nothing away from Celtic though, some of the stuff they played was frightening. Motherwell won’t be the last team to be turned over by them.
Robinson’s men won’t be judged on this performance, but they need to make improvements following a disappointing defeat.