Celtic 1 Motherwell 0: Dull – but still a win

The home side had to grind out the result, but that is a necessary quality for title winners. If the performance lacked spark and ingenuity, it could still be valued. "I'm proud of my players," said manager Neil Lennon. "They were leggy towards the end, but they're taking on all-comers and handling it well."

Taunting Rangers was a diversion for the home fans. Most now assume the championship will be won, but there was no cause for triumphalism here.

Motherwell applied themselves with the kind of diligence that exasperates opponents. They were not restricted to a strategy of containment, though, and shrewdness was evident in every aspect of their performance apart from creating chances. Clever players abounded in the Motherwell side. The visitors had experienced wretched outcomes away to the Old Firm this season, but there seemed an acceptance that nerve and a conscientious approach would be rewarded. Inhibition was absent even from the line-up, with Stuart McCall using a 4-4-2 formation that included Jamie Murphy playing wide in midfield.

Celtic expect visitors to try to thwart them, but there was a novelty in the way Motherwell protected themselves by holding on to possession. Their self-assurance was a factor in the subdued nature of the game, but the home side contributed to their own struggles. When James Forrest hit the ball straight to an opponent, then won it back with a tackle, it seemed an example of a player taking responsibility. It turned out the slipshod pass was to be typical of Celtic's display.

They had to be resourceful, as half-chances were the only opportunities. When the ball broke to Charlie Mulgrew on the edge of the area, he shaped his body to drive an effort wide. It was awkward, but a player of his shooting prowess still had cause to be frustrated.

The full-back's persistence led to another chance, and Darren Randolph blocked Georgios Samaras' effort. The Motherwell goalkeeper then tipped the ball away from Gary Hooper as he closed in on the rebound.

There was a frantic nature to Celtic's efforts. They were often obliged to pass the ball square or backwards, which irked the crowd and the manager. Lennon's side lacked the tempo to unsettle Motherwell, who were comfortable closing down the available space. There was no attacking edge, but this result will have felt like an achievement of sorts. "We didn't test them enough," said Motherwell manager McCall. "The final ball wasn't there. It makes a change from talking about a 4-0 defeat here, though."

Celtic were sustained by the conviction that the breakthrough would eventually come. Self-doubt is discarded when a team is on such a run of victories. Subtlety was also missing when they eventually overcame the visitors' defence. A long throw-in by Adam Matthews was chested down by Samaras, and Hooper struck a firm, precise shot beyond Randolph from a tight angle. He celebrated by walking away sheepishly. "I wasn't happy with my overall performance," the striker explained.

Standards are inevitably lofty. The goal ought to have freed Celtic from their self-conscious play, but instead it prompted Motherwell to abandon some of their caution.

The game became stretched, and Celtic substitute Anthony Stokes scurried free on occasion. Henrik Ojamaa attempted to do the same for Motherwell, but only twice managed to dart behind Kelvin Wilson. The first time, his dramatic dive brought a booking, the next time he drew a solid save from Fraser Forster.

Tensions rose, with Lennon and McCall both vehemently arguing over a throw-in. Every detail seemed to matter. When Samaras was flagged offside on the halfway line, Lennon was incensed, and after a tirade he was followed into the dug-out by the fourth official for a stern telling off. "Samaras was onside, it was a horrendous decision, but Steve Conroy handled myself well," Lennon smiled.