Lennon hails "spectacular" Celtic win over Motherwell
Last updated 6th Feb 2020
Neil Lennon described his Celtic side's second-half display as "spectacular" after their 4-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
In-form striker Odsonne Edouard's finish after nine minutes put the visitors ahead at the break, with Leigh Griffiths and Callum McGregor adding further goals in one-sided second half.
Edouard curled in a wonderful free-kick in the 80th minute for his 24th goal of the season to wrap up the points.
It was Celtic's sixth victory in a row since they lost to title-chasing Rangers at the end of last year and it kept them seven points ahead of the Gers at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership, albeit the Light Blues have a game in hand.
Lennon said: "It was a spectacular second-half performance against a very good side who caused us problems (in the) first half.
"But the quality of play, motivation, hunger, desire and the quality of goals were spectacular.
"Credit to the players because it was a magnificent win. It’s not often you come and win 4-0.
"Motherwell are a good side and are well coached. I can’t speak highly enough of my backroom team and the players, we’ve started the second half of season brilliantly."
On Edouard's electric performance, Lennon said: "He’s just special. When he’s in that sort of form, he’s a joy to watch.
"It was a great finish for the first goal, his link-up play with Leigh at times was creative and good to watch.
"He’s an outstanding footballer all round and so important to us."
Celtic went into the game facing a double disciplinary charge over claims they failed to keep their players in check during recent clashes with Hamilton and Partick Thistle, which Lennon insists is "ridiculous."
The Parkhead club were issued with a notice of complaint relating to last month's William Hill Scottish Cup win at Firhill and Sunday's 4-1 triumph over Accies at the Foys Stadium.
One charge relates to the incident involving Griffiths and Hamilton midfielder Alex Gogic, who were both booked after an exchange of pushes as players from both sides rushed in after Griffiths appeared to stamp on Sam Woods.
The Hoops striker will not face an SFA notice of complaint after a three-man panel of former referees did not agree it was a red card offence.
The other Celtic charge relates to a stoppage-time incident during their 2-1 cup victory over Partick Thistle on January 18 when defender Jozo Simunovic was seen to confront referee Alan Muir after the official handed Thistle a late penalty.
Lennon said: "We’ll wait and see what happens but I didn’t think there was anything in it.
"The media didn’t even ask me about it so I’m hoping nothing comes of it.
"For me Leigh didn’t do anything wrong, it was accidental and there was no malice or intent. If there was I’d be the first to say. Pushing him annoyed me so I had a quick chat with him.
"In terms of this new charge I’m surprised by it."
Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson hailed Edouard as "arguably the best player in the league at the minute, he is unplayable at times" but rued his side's missed chances.
He said: "To create five chances as we did against Celtic you have to take them. Perhaps we could have been three up at half-time.
"They were ruthless and sometimes you have to admire the quality of some of the play in the second half.
"We got punished by a very, very good side."