Three things we learned

1

NO STRIKER, NO PROBLEM?

For the second match in a row, Neil Lennon took the gamble of playing midfielder Ryan Christie in attack, knowing full well that the decision would be the stick that would be used to beat him had the result not gone Celtic’s way, as was the case in the aftermath of Wednesday evening’s 2- 1 defeat against Hungarian champions Ferencvaros.

For 40 frustrating minutes, he may have pondered the wisdom behind that call as his team huffed and puffed to break down a resolute Motherwell rearguard.

Thankfully for Lennon and Celtic, James Forrest settled home nerves with a well taken goal five minutes before the interval.

Still, the absence of a focal point did seem to blunt Celtic, and a conventional striker in the shape of Patryk Klimala arrived at the interval.

Albian Ajeti then showed what a forward can do, with a fine finish for Celtic’s second after climbing off the bench to great effect.

2

JAMES FORREST STILL HAS PLENTY TO OFFER

The winger has been such a model of consistency in the last decade or so on Celtic’s right, that perhaps his goal and assist return had been somewhat taken for granted.

Here, he reminded everyone just what he can do, coming up with the moment of quality that Celtic had been so lacking in the first half to finally unlock the Motherwell defence.

Yes, he does still appear a little away from his very best, but he showed enough quality here to suggest he has plenty still to offer.

3

MOTHERWELL BOTTOM, BUT WILL BE BUOYED

The final scoreline may have been predictable here, but there was enough about this performance to suggest that better times may be ahead for Motherwell despite falling to the foot of the table.

Their poor start to the season was unlikely to be turned around at Celtic Park, but they showed some promising signs here in their organisation and shape to suggest that it won’t be long before they are climbing the table again.