Celtic were frustrated to a 0-0 draw at Fir Park by Motherwell.
Despite having a one man advantage following the sending off of Cedric Kipre for a kick out at Celtic captain Scott Brown, the league leaders were kept at bay by a resolute Motherwell defence.
The first half provided few clear-cut chances for Celtic, and the argument could be made that Motherwell commanded the 45 minutes – strong saves from Scott Bain were needed to deny attempts from forwards Curtis Main and Ryan Bowman.
As it became apparent the numerical bonus was not providing the results required, manager Brendan Rodgers turned to the bench relatively early, introducing Stuart Armstrong and Scott Sinclair first, and later Patrick Roberts.
Should Rodgers start Patrick Roberts in the next match against Ross County?
However, the ten men of Motherwell held on throughout the dying embers – notably a great chance for Sinclair thwarted just before stoppage time – and solidify their presence in the middle of the table.
Celtic extend their lead at the top to ten points over Rangers, who have one game in hand.
GK: Scott Bain - 8
A series of good saves and strong hands in the first half kept the game at 0-0.
RB: Jack Hendry - 6.5
Looked calm on the ball, and recovered rare moments of positional unawareness.
CB: Kristoffer Ajer - 6
Recently called up for national duty. At times suspect on the ball, but never outdone in the tackle.
CB: Dedryck Boyata - 5
Certainly looked rushed at times whilst holding possession, put his team on the back-foot on numerous occasions.
LB: Callum McGregor - 6
A good showing when called upon, but did little to affect the match.
MF: Scott Brown - 6
The captain was involved in the red card incident, and that was about the most memorable thing he did this afternoon.
MF: Olivier Ntcham - 6.5
A reasonably assured performance, something of a surprise substitution however.
MF: Tom Rogic - 5.5
In my opinion, should have made way for Armstrong instead of Ntcham.
RW: James Forrest - 7
Celtic’s most creative player in the first half, substituted for Roberts late in the second half.
ST: Moussa Dembele - 6
Chances were few and far between for the front-man today, a downward header in stoppage time his closest to hitting the net.
LW: Odsonne Edouard - 6
Somewhat uninspiring, Scott Sinclair seemed to offer more from the bench.
SUB: Stuart Armstrong - 5.5
Not impressive from the bench, did little to bring creativity to a flat Celtic team.
SUB: Scott Sinclair - 6
Looked lively, however will face criticism for not finding a way to get a shot through to the goalkeeper – either from himself Dembele during his late breakaway.
SUB: Patrick Roberts - 6
Didn’t have long to impart on the game, and most of the play seemed to be down Sinclair’s flank following his introduction.