Celtic player ratings vs Motherwell as madcap VAR finale sparks wild Fir Park scenes in five goal thriller

Celtic won 3-2 in the most dramatic fashion against Motherwell in their latest Premiership clash to keep title hopes alive.

Elliot Watt put the Fir Park hosts ahead to spark fears the title could be slipping out of Hoops hands, with a draw or win needed here to unlock a final day shootout against Hearts. Daizen Maeda levelled the scoring before Liam Gordon’s late leveller. Celtic were then awarded a penalty by VAR and John Beaton agreed with their handball spot, Iheanacho ensuring the gap to leaders Hearts is just a point ahead of facing the Jambos on Saturday.

Boss Martin O’Neill knew a win was needed to apply maximum pressure on title rivals Hearts, while a draw would be enough to clinch a final day shootout with the Jambos at Parkhead. It would be easier said than done against a Motherwell team who’d only lost twice at home this term - both to Falkirk - as they possessed a manager heavily linked to Celtic.

They started off in fiery fashion but a fast start turned into a nightmare as Watt’s volleyed effort from outside the box bobbled over the top of Sinisalo when he ought to have done better. Falkirk had started brightly against Hearts, but as it stood a goal to the Steelmen, they were relying on Gorgie favours. Frankie Kent’s header at Tynecastle did little to help their cause.

Daizen Maeda was in behind for the first after half an hour but dragged Celtic’s first clear chance wide. He wouldn’t miss again when a Callum Slattery tackle landed perfectly at his feet for the Japanese international to continue his hot streak of form. A draw would be enough but with Hearts two up the need to try and keep goal difference attainable was soon becoming a reality. They got the goal they needed after half-time when Nygren picked up the ball outside Motherwell’s box and fizzed in a brilliant strike into the top corner.

Hoops hearts were in mouths as Watt’s deflected effort hit the bar and soon heads were in hands when Gordon knocked in a tap in. Just when that wasn’t enough drama, Iheanacho slotted home a penalty kick with literally the last kick of the ball, after VAR spotted a Motherwell handball. Here’s how we rated the Celtic players against Motherwell.

Viljami Sinisalo - 5/10

Has to do better with Watt’s goal. Fine otherwise and a top save from Elijah Just before the second.

Alistair Johnston - 6/10

A real physical battle against Emmanuel Longelo. Dealt well with it before subbed.

Auston Trusty - 5/10

Tawanda Maswanhise puts him in all sorts of bother at the opener. Looked a bit unsteady.

Liam Scales - 7/10

Made adjustments to shut down the threat of Maswanhise and Ibrahim Said really well.

Kieran Tierney - 6/10

Struggling towards the end but that came after dealing with ever-changing opponents

Callum McGregor - 6/10

Seemed to sense the occasion with some lung-bursting runs to make last-ditched tackles

Arne Engels - 7/10

Added physicality to deal with Motherwell’s impressive midfield four.

Benjamin Nygren - 7/10

Not out quick enough for Watt’s goal but then scores a great goal. Sums up his season but contributions have been so key.

Yang - 6/10

Good pressing and tracking back. Struggling by end and limped off

Daizen Maeda - 7/10

Motherwell clearly did homework on him but still scored and pace a constant threat.

Sebastian Tounekti - 4/10

Gets his chance after impact off the bench but end product missing.

Kelechi Iheanacho - 7/10

Overall display questionable but might just have won Celtic the title depending on Saturday.

James Forrest - 3/10

Brought on but press didn’t seem quite right.

Reo Hatate - 3/10

Tried to calm things down in midfield but ended up overran.

Anthony Ralston - 3/10

Got stuck into physical duels with Longelo.

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