From Taylor Swift to football nirvana – Motherwell’s long road to Celtic demolition

In the early days under former Gothenburg coach Askew, it was a bit difficult.

In their first match, Motherwell faced FC Twente during the summer training camp. Even in the embryonic stage, the new style was evident, and it was terrifying.

They lost well 3-0 and looked terribly nervous at the back as they tried to be Barcelona’s boss in their own penalty area while converting the goalkeeper into a ball-playing center half.

In Asco’s first competitive match, goalkeeper Callum Ward was kicked by Clyde’s James Hilton while outside the penalty area approximately four miles away. It was heart attack stuff.

But with each play it started to click more and more. The sight of Ward standing on the halfway line wasn’t going to cause many fans to choke on their pies.

Five months later, Motherwell’s brilliant, complex and instinctive football reached its peak against Celtic on Tuesday.

Their first goal was an uncharacteristically deep cross and header, while their second came through a high-pressing effort that pounced on Celtic’s luck.

But it was what happened around it that made it so special. Make no mistake, this is the best football many fans have ever seen inside Fir Park.

There was a ferocity in their approach, and an insatiable appetite to chase down Celtic. A late flurry of possession and pressure from the defending champions skewed the statistics but Motherwell were in control throughout.

“It was an absolute lesson in football, both on and off the ball,” former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan told Sportscene.

“It was the composure and calm of Motherwell’s play.

“There was one team that was connected and one that was completely disconnected. That’s the difference between a manager really executing something.

“Motherwell played better, more exciting football than Celtic. But at the same time they had real structure behind the ball which caused Celtic problems.

“It’s both boxes, and that’s what leads to a strong team.”