Motherwell denies Celtic chance to go top
Celtic missed the chance to overtake Hearts at the Scottish Premiership summit after a 2-0 defeat away to Motherwell on Wednesday.
Wilfried Nancy's side headed into the clash at Fir Park knowing a win would see it end 2025 clear of Hearts on goal difference.
But the reigning Scottish champion was caught out early on as Stephen O'Donnell's excellent right-sided cross found Ibrahim Said, who stooped down to head a low header past Kasper Schmeichel 14 minutes in.
Nancy's visitor failed to muster a shot on target in the first half, and matters worsened in the 58th minute when Schmeichel's mistake in possession allowed Elliot Watt to convert into an empty net.
Nancy remains optimistic despite the defeat, chosing to focus on the positives after the defeat.
“It was not a good performance. We had difficulties today, while our opponents were connected,” Nancy said.
“We want to keep going, but this was a stop. This stop is going to allow us to be better collectively.
“The message is getting across, but we faced adversity today and that is the reality, after that comes a bit of doubt.
“I believe I saw good stuff, to press in the good moment and defend in the good moment.
“Now it is time to get better and keep working because it is the only thing we can control.”
A frustrating performance from Celtic was compounded by Rangers' 2-1 win at home to St Mirren, as Danny Rohl's side moved within three points of Nancy's team in second, and six adrift of Hearts.
Rangers were made to wait until six minutes before half-time for Thelo Aasgaard to head the opener past Shamal George, after a well-worked short-corner move that resulted in Jayden Meghoma's cross.
Another corner routine proved fruitful in the 52nd minute for Rangers as St. Mirren failed to clear before Youssef Chermiti whipped in, and Emmanuel Fernandez volleyed through goalkeeper George's legs.
Rohl's side were still made to sweat late on as an expert Jack Butland stop against Miguel Freckleton fell into the path of Mikael Mandron to score on the follow-up, but Rangers held on for the three points.
