Motherwell 2, Celtic 0 - 30th December, 2025

Just like watching.....a competently managed Scandinavian side

I am being unkind to Motherwell. They were magnificent on and off the ball.

On the ball, their pack passing matched Roma’s performance against Celtic.

Since recording packing data, only one domestic side has achieved a higher overall packing score difference (278) against Celtic.

They perhaps do not create the volume of chances their set-up play deserves, but at 2-0 after 58 minutes, they did not need to.

The Motherwell average position map in the stats pack is instructive. It illustrates how they adjusted their normal 4-2-3-1 towards a 4-3-3 (is that even legal to make such tweaks?) and fanned in to out to smother Celtic’s wide possession. Turnover after turnover ensued.

As for Bhoy of the Match, it was a buggers choice once more, but there is one player who continues to shoulder an overwhelming burden in this system.

Special mention to Elijah Just of Motherwell. He played only 75 minutes but achieved the highest packing score of any domestic opponent since records began (182). On the pod, I will reveal the five players who have achieved higher packing scores against Celtic.

Motherwell’s keeper, Calum Ward, achieved a higher packing score than all but one of Celtic’s players.

Happy New Year to you all and your families.