Celtic player ratings vs Motherwell as stats experts cast verdict after calamitous Fir Park night of Hoops woe

Celtic lost 2-0 against Motherwell in their final Premiership match of 2025, as fresh concern surrounds Wilfried Nancy’s side.

The Hoops came into the game off the back of a win against bottom side Livingston but they found an opponent who, while they lost time out to Rangers, had been on a run of six straight clean sheets. Their style of play under Jens Berthel Askou has also been lauded and it set the scene for two attack-minded, possession-based teams to go at it at Fir Park.

Head coach Wilfried Nancy stuck with his scrutinised three at the back system and Askou was keen to pounce. The Hoops barely threatened the Motherwell goal as Ibrahim Said found himself in the middle of the box to head home from close range and Elliot Watt scored the winner after a calamitous mix-up at the back-up. It’s a fifth defeat from seven games under the ex-Columbus Crew head coach.

Next up for the Hoops is the Old Firm with Rangers as Nancy gets set for the opening of the January transfer window and his introduction to Glasgow’s big fixture. Stats experts, WhoScored, ran the rule over the game at Fir Park and here is how the Celtic players rated.

Kasper Schmeichel - 5.9/10

Returned to the fold between the sticks ahead of Viljami Sinisalo. Fans didn’t seem keen to see him after his error played a huge part in the winner.

Anthony Ralston - 6.2/10

Full-back continued in his role as a right-sided centre-back. Hooked after an hour as he struggled with the Motherwell forward line

Auston Trusty - 6.7/10

American international anchoring the back three. Booked as he was another who looked uncomfortable on the ball but rated best in defence.

Liam Scales - 6.3/10

Irishman back in the starting XI on the left of a back three. Was fielded further up the field at times but again, on the ball was asked big questions.

Yang - 5.9/10

Winger fielded in wing-back role once more. Neutralised going forward and not enough at the back

Callum McGregor - 6.1/10

Skippering the side as per usual. Motherwell put midfield sitters on him and eliminated his impact.

Paulo Bernardo - 6.2/10

Portuguese star handed a chance in the midfield two but didn’t take it. Quiet.

Kieran Tierney - 6.5/10

Scotland international restored to a more natural left-wing-back role. Shock to see him hooked at the break.

Benjamin Nygren - 6.2/10

Was looking to build on his double over Livi by lighting up Fir Park in one of the advanced number 10 roles. Didn’t as he was virtually anonymous.

Reo Hatate - 6/10

Japanese international playing alongside Nygren in that advanced slot. Cut a frustrated figure.

Daizen Maeda - 6/10

Looking to use his pace through the middle. Looked the most likely and again, a shock to see him subbed.

Colby Donovan - 6.6/10

Thrust into a difficult position and out of position. Did all he could.

Luke McCowan - 6.2/10

Put in at wing-back but wasn’t able to make needed impact. Tough job on his hands.

James Forrest - 6.2/10

Veteran did look lively but wing back role limited how much he got forward.

Brought on at the break but struggled against Paul McGinn.

Another brought on with limited impact.