Saturday’s 1-0 win at Motherwell typified Celtic’s domestic form.
There were spells of devastating play, overwhelming their opponents but other than the 6-0 win over Dundee finding the net has been a problem throughout the campaign.
With Stuart Armstrong back in the side there was a balance to Celtic’s attacks down the left but some of Emilio Izaguirre’s crossing left his team-mates frustrated.
The much maligned defence had an incident free afternoon while Nir Bitton and Scott Brown were mainly seen in an attacking sense.
Around the Motherwell goal the ball refused to roll in the desired manner despite an early opportunist strike from Nadir Ciftci who started ahead of Leigh Griffiths.
Alan Muir’s failings have been furiously debated online even if BT’s coverage from Fir Park came with a giggle at how a referee failed to give two clear cut decisions that would have given Celtic’s penalties and probably result in the sending off of Kieran Kennedy.
As the chances were set up and missed a niggling feeling grew that somehow Motherwell would snatch a point, Scott McDonald’s introduction seemed scripted for such a chapter.
In the end it was mission accomplished, full points from another single goal win in Lanarkshire and a return to top spot in the Premiership.
Over the next fortnight the ability and mentality of the Celtic squad will be tested to the full, a schedule that involves Molde, Dundee United, Hearts, Aberdeen and Molde again will go a long way to shaping the season as the dark nights set in.
Twelve months ago Celtic took control of the title race and qualified out of their Europa League group- a repeat of that form over the coming month is exactly what the Celtic support will be looking for from their favourites.
Why was that hun of a ref at Fir Park===that bluenose taking orders from the so=called sfa. HAIL HAIL THE CELTIC they are a grand old team to play for….
I’m sure Brother Muir’s sight will be miracously regained prior to his next Sevco assignment …