By Ethan Barlow

Celtic grabbed a crucial win at the death (Image: Getty Images)

Super-sub, Adam Idah scores two as Celtic leave it late at Fir Park, again. Idah’s second half double and Luis Palma’s late strike cancel out Blair Spittal’s 50th league goal in Scottish football. Here were some of the key takeaways from the Celts’ victory:

Motherwell left heartbroken at home to Celtic. Again

Idah scored a brace to help Celtic to the win (Image: Getty Images)

After Matt O’Riley’s 97th minute winner at Fir Park in September, Celtic have once again left it late in Motherwell. Idah’s 94th minute finish, followed by Palma’s strike with almost the last kick of the game snatched a point away from Stuart Kettlewell’s men. Just as it looked like Motherwell had drawn with Celtic for the second time this season, after a draw at Celtic Park in November, Celtic won and stayed within touching distance of Rangers in the title race.

Celtic’s first half performance was a familiar one as of late as they lacked intensity and looked nervous in their play. Motherwell looked more dangerous and as half time approached, the home side had the lead. After a great piece of skill by 17-year-old Lennon Miller, who once again impressed in the Motherwell midfield, he picked out Spittal who swept his first-time strike beyond Joe Hart, leaving the retiring goalkeeper with no chance.

Brendan Rodgers didn’t waste any time in making his first substitution, when Idah replaced Kyogo at half-time. The Irishman made an instant impact when he found Celtic’s equaliser just five minutes into the second period. Greg Taylor’s exquisite cross from the left was met brilliantly by the Norwich loanee, who headed into the bottom right corner giving Liam Kelly no chance.

Celtic were given a bounce after the goal and played some of the best football they’ve played for weeks. It wasn’t perfect from the Hoops, but it was better than what the Celtic fans had been getting used to and the away side probably should have scored before they did. Two brilliant chances fell Daizen Maeda’s way and the first chance, which was a header, looked harder to miss. Another chance fell the Japanese internationals way, but he could only fire over the bar.

Just as it looked as if Celtic were going to fall further behind title rivals Rangers, who won 5-0 at Ibrox against Hearts on Saturday, Idah nicked a winner, to steal the points and the headlines away from The Steelmen. Substitute, Hyun-Jun Yang made an out-to-in run before a brilliant reverse ball to the unmarked Alistair Johnston who picked out Idah, as he made an excellent run across the front post before finishing by Kelly to send the supporters behind the goal into ecstasy.

Luis Palma put the icing on the champions’ cake. With Motherwell pushing for an unlikely equaliser, things opened up for O’Riley, he picked out Yang who played it across goal to Palma, who couldn’t miss. This secured what could be a massive game to look back on at the end of the season, as possibly the turning point in Celtic’s season.

Rodgers’ substitutions make the difference

Brendan’s action at the half changed the game (Image: Getty Images)

Kyogo had yet another quiet and lacklustre display, this time as a lone striker. Rodgers reverted back to the 4-3-3 formation after setting up in a 4-2-3-1 the last few matches. The formation used over the last few weeks, was mainly in operation to fit both Kyogo and Idah in the starting 11, but this time Kyogo was given the nod despite Idah being in better form.

Rodgers made four changes to the team that was held by Kilmarnock last week. At the back, Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh made way for Maik Nawrocki and the returning Alistair Johnston. Celtic’s third goalscorer Palma dropped out for Nicolas Kühn and the Hoops’ hero Idah was replaced by Tomoki Iwata. Iwata was the extra body in midfield and after a slow start (for not just him, the whole team), he controlled the game well in the second half.

Idah’s introduction offered Celtic good linkup play in forward areas and a focal point in the penalty area and ultimately this substitution, won the Bhoys the game. With Celtic lacking anything special in wide areas and another rather uneventful performance from January signing Kühn, Yang injected some pace and urgency into the game and along with Idah are well deserved of starting places when Celtic host Dundee on Wednesday.

Well done Willie

Collum was called to the monitor but stuck by his decision (Image: Getty Images)

Willie Collum has been subject to some criticism from not just fans but clubs this season. Scottish referees have been criticised more this season than any other, but they deserve their plaudits when they make the right call.

Idah spun former Dundee United defender Calum Butcher, before the central defender dragged the striker to the floor, on the edge of the area. Collum awarded a foul and a yellow card but was advised to have a second look by VAR and Gavin Duncan, the video assistant referee. Collum went to the monitor but stuck with his original decision as he didn’t feel Idah was denied a clear goal scoring opportunity, which was the right decision. Referees sticking with their original decision after being asked to reconsider by VAR is a rarity and fans of both teams were in support of the referee backing his decision.

Motherwell 1-3 Celtic: Three things we learned