Deila: We should have had at least one penalty

Nadir Ciftci’s first-half goal was enough to seal a 1-0 victory for the Hoops at Fir Park as they claimed top spot in the Premiership. Celtic dominated the match from start to finish, as Motherwell rarely threatened Craig Gordon’s goal.

The Hoops started brightly and opened the scoring when Nadir Ciftci pounced on a save from Motherwell keeper Connor Ripley, after initially stopping Kris Commons’ effort. The Hoops continued to dominate in the first half, as Commons then hit the bar with a free-kick and Dedryck Boyata narrowly headed wide from a Tyler Blackett cross.

The Champions controlled the game from the break but could not add to their tally in a half of controversy. Referee Alan Muir failed to spot two clear penalties as Scott Brown was brought down in the area by the Steelmen defender Kieran Kennedy and then the clearest ever handball you will see.

You may remember that Muir was the additional assistant behind the goal when Josh Meekings handled on the line, in last season Scottish Cup Semi Final. And just like that incident, it was as clear as day. Kennedy again was the culprit as his outstretched arm blocked the ball towards Ciftci who was bound to score.

After those incidents, Celtic had a few half chances when substitute Leigh Griffiths stung the palms of Ripley and substitute Callum McGregor fired a speculative strike from distance.

As quoted by BBC Sport after the game, Deila was impressed with his side’s performance,

For 70 minutes it was very satisfying but we should’ve scored more goals and had at least one penalty, maybe two.

We created a lot of chances and had control of the game. Our top level is good and we need to keep that consistency for 90 minutes

In the end though, that solidarity strike from Ciftci was enough for the Hoops as they returned to the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Ronny Deila’s men now face a trip to Norway, where they look to pick up their first win of the Europa League Campaign, against group leaders Molde.