Celtic returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park, moving back to the top of the Premiership after three consecutive defeats. The returning Jota made the headlines after his first appearance in 17 months, but the real hero was midfielder Mika Baur, who delivered arguably his defining performance in green and white.
Camilo Duran scored a fine opener and Benjamin Nygren forced home a second, but it was Baur who ran the show. The German playmaker, backed by Jurgen Klopp, teamed up with Callum McGregor in the engine room to control the game and give Celtic one of their most comfortable wins of the season.
Celtic player ratings
Viljami Sinisalo – 6: Alert and did well to repel the few moments where Motherwell looked dangerous. But he could have played with oven gloves on for the majority of the game, given how infrequent those were.
Colby Donovan – 7: Tested the palms of Alex Paulsen with a stinging shot from range. Really growing into his attacking responsibilities at right-back and was tenacious off the ball too, winning possession back more often than any other player.
Dane Murray – 6: A steady enough stand-in for Carter-Vickers. Was targeted by Motherwell when they did manage to attack, but stood up well in his duels and looked strong.
Liam Scales – 7: Defensively shaky at times early on, but played a key role in possession. He had more passes in the final third than any other player, largely owing to Celtic parking their defensive line so high up the pitch.
Kieran Tierney – 8: Celtic's most potent and consistent attacking threat, creating more chances (4) and attempting more crosses (9) than any other player. Only Kasper Hogh had more touches in the Motherwell box than the left-back.
Callum McGregor – 7: Started on the right of the midfield two but, as he does, covered the entire pitch. Had the best passing accuracy of any player who started the game, and looked a bit more like his old self.
Mika Baur – 8: An air of Reo Hatate about him, in a positive sense. Understood the assignment, ran the game, and broke the Motherwell line with some clever through balls. Now seems to have a bit of synergy with his captain.
Camilo Duran – 6: Spectacular stuff to open the scoring, but other than that he wasn't involved enough and was the quietest of the starting front four. Questions remain over his suitability playing off the wing but moments like his goal are why he's in the team.
Benjamin Nygren – 6: Operated as a de facto second striker and initially did more to influence the game than his partner up top. Seemed to be fading out of the game until he scored the second goal, where he kept his composure to beat Paulsen and put the game beyond Motherwell.
Sebastian Tounekti – 7: Familiar question marks remain about his end product, but the majority of Celtic's play went down the Tunisian's flank, particularly in the first half. His work-rate and ability to drive the team forward were key, particularly in the first half.
Kasper Hogh – 5: Five shots, five off target isn't what Celtic will want to see from their £11m man. Created the second goal by himself with his pressing and tenacity but that was virtually his only positive involvement.
Substitutes
Jota (Tounekti 73') – 4: A huge cheer as he crossed the white line for the first time in 17 months – and it was nearly a dream return as he instantly burst down the left and fizzed in a cross. It's going to take him time after such a long period out, but having him back even as an option off the bench is a huge boost.
Haissem Hassan (Duran 73') – 4: Occupied the right flank after the front three were replaced in a oner. Had one promising run down the right where he was unlucky not to pick up an assist.
Shim Mheuka (Hogh 73') – 3: Spurned a great chance to make it 3-0, overthinking it and losing his composure when played clean through.
Oliver Sorensen (Nygren 78') – 2: A late relief sub. Didn't have much involvement of note.
Jordan Lotomba (Tierney 81') – 2: On for his second appearance to give the tireless Tierney a rest for the final 10.
