Celtic ease to win hitting Motherwell for four

Celtic ultimately eased to a comfortable 4-0 win over Motherwell after getting a penalty breakthrough in first-half stoppage-time.

Arne Engels opened the scoring after a tight 45 minutes after goalkeeper Aston Oxborough was penalised following a collision with Yang Hyun-jun.

Daizen Maeda doubled the lead before substitutes Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate netted as Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell tasted defeat for the first time in four visits to Parkhead.

Both managers made four changes; Celtic had Cameron Carter-Vickers back from injury while Liam Gordon was among those dropping to the Motherwell bench.

The early flashpoint came in and around the Celtic box when Yang bumped into the back of Tawanda Maswanhise, who went down. Referee Ross Hardie booked the Motherwell forward for simulation and the game quickly moved on.

There was a lengthy VAR check at the other end after Kofi Balmer raised a hand as a cross flew out for a goal kick. The officials took their time looking for a handball but no touch was evident.

Oxborough made the first save 20 minutes in after Maeda bundled a loose ball towards goal.

The William Hill Premiership leaders had a better chance after Motherwell wasted two set-piece opportunities in quick succession and Lennon Miller's slip inadvertently set up a counter-attack.

Oxborough saved Maeda’s shot with his foot and the goalkeeper and several defenders ultimately scrambled the ball to safety.

Motherwell were generally looking solid and Adam Idah could not make the most of two half-chances.

The half-time team talks were altered when Hardie pointed to the spot after Yang jumped in front of Oxborough, knocked the ball towards the byline and crashed to the floor as the goalkeeper stuck out his arms to collect a