(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Wed 13 May 2026 22:00, UK

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Celtic produced another late show as they won 3-2 away at Motherwell to take the fight for the Scottish Premiership title down to the final day of the season.

Elliot Watt’s 17th-minute volley put the hosts in front during an action-packed first half, as Jens Berthel Askou’s side took the game to the Bhoys during the opening period.

However, Celtic found a response yet again as Daizen Maeda arrowed home via the inside of the post to level the game with his team’s first shot on target in the 41st minute, before Benjamin Nygren netted a stunner just before the hour mark.

Liam Gordon levelled for the hosts in the 85th minute, before Celtic were awarded a penalty in the 99th minute, which was coolly converted by Kelechi Iheanacho.

Celtic’s win over Motherwell has meant that victory over Hearts on Saturday will be enough to seal the title, and with that in mind, Football Insider rates the performances of every single Celtic player.

Daizen Maeda stepped up when it mattered

Maeda has faced his fair share of criticism so far this season, but he has come into his own in recent weeks as the title fight has begun to reach its crucial stages.

The Japan international made it seven goals in his last five games when he found the net at Fir Park, but his performance was about so much more than just his finishing.

The striker’s energy was invaluable to help harry and hound their hosts, who have been renowned for the attractive style of football that they play this term.

Maeda worked tirelessly from start to finish in midweek, and he played a crucial role in providing the energy that helped to fuel his team’s fightback.

O’Neill has never lost faith in the 28-year-old of late, even when he hasn’t scored, and he stepped up when it mattered for his team.

It was a tireless display from the forward, who was worthy of an 8/10 match rating.

Sebastian Tounekti anonymous for Celtic

Sebastian Tounekti has endured an up-and-down campaign for Celtic in his debut season in Scotland, but he was given the nod by O’Neill to start the game on Wednesday night.

The boss put his faith in the Tunisian after a promising cameo in last week’s Old Firm derby victory, but he didn’t repay that at Fir Park.

The winger struggled to get into the game, as he was unable to make a telling impact with his usually threatening dribbling ability.

Tounekti was largely anonymous throughout the opening hour of the encounter, and as a result, it was no surprise to see him withdrawn as part of the opening round of substitutes in the 70th minute.

It was a hugely disappointing display from the wideman, who didn’t deserve any more than a 4/10 rating.

Celtic player ratings vs Motherwell

Viljami Sinisalo – 6

Alistair Johnston – 6

Auston Trusty – 7

Liam Scales – 7

Kieran Tierney – 6

Arne Engels – 5

Callum McGregor – 6

Sebastian Tounekti – 4

Benjamin Nygren – 7

Yang Hyun-Jun – 6

Daizen Maeda – 8

Subtitutes

Reo Hatate (On for Nygren 70′) – 5

Anthony Ralston (On for Johnston 70′) – 5

Kelechi Iheanacho (On for Tounekti 70′) – 7

James Forrest (On for Yang 78′) – N/A

Marcelo Saracchi (On for Tierney 78′) – N/A