Celtic blew the chance to move 11 points clear of rivals Rangers after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Motherwell.

On a day of high drama at Celtic Park the hosts were awarded two penalties after VAR intervention.

Celtic midfielder David Turnbull looked to have bailed the champions out of a tight spot when he coolly slotted home a penalty kick after Honduran winger Luis Palma had fluffed his lines from 12 yards earlier in the contest.

Despite dominating possession and territory, Rodgers' men huffed and puffed all afternoon and incredibly, Jon Obika headed home an 89th-minute equaliser for Stuart Kettlewell's side.

There was still time for 10 minutes of added-on time but Celtic failed to conjure up a winner.

Norwegian good but Holm comforts could be so much better

The Norwegian did not exactly cover himself in glory after his first league start in the last Premiership outing at Celtic Park when the champions battered Aberdeen 6-0. His manager admitted that he needed to do more if he wanted to be a regular starter in the side and Holm clearly listened. It was a case of deja-vu in this encounter. The 20-year-old midfielder drove forward and at least tried to break the lines and link the play up. However, more often than not his final ball or first touch let him down but he certainly never stopped showing for the ball all afternoon. He constantly probed away in the engine room as he and his teammates went in search of an opening. There was no lack of technique and tenacity as he always strived to be positive. It was his wayward distribution at times that stopped him from being more of a major influence on proceedings. He disappointingly made way for Oh Hyeon-gyu after 45 minutes once again. There is definitely a player in Holm waiting to burst onto the scene but he has failed to grasp his first team opportunities thus far and will probably feel that he is not doing himself justice.

Tony Haggerty 

Defensive partnership delight

Celtic’s defensive partnership from 2021-2023 of Carl Starfelt and Carter-Vickers was a duo that garnered plenty of praise when they worked together under Ange Postecoglou. Their mutual understanding made them a formidable force at the back. However, we may be witnessing an upgrade in the heart of defence forming this season. Due to Starfelt’s departure to Celta Vigo, Carter-Vickers has had to find a new dance partner, and found one he has in Scales. The two are growing in synergy and togetherness with each passing game. Both defensively sound, the current centre backs are in perfect sync with each other, both in their defensive duties and when progressing the play forward with their passing. Scales has certainly went up a level since the American returned to the side, as he looks even more at home at the back since the former Spurs man shaked off his latest injury concern. In the first half, Carter-Vickers’ last-ditch interception stopped Motherwell from opening the scoring, whilst Scales had a couple of important defensive contributions too. With Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke both not quoted whatsoever in the team, it allows for this partnership to be nurtured further. There was a worry after the restart that the partnership would be broken, though Scales eventually got up.

Ryan McGinlay

Palma blots his penalty kick copybook with vital miss 

The Honduran winger made no mistake from the spot when he despatched confidently against Aberdeen with no worries. However Palma blew the chance to open the scoring from 12 yards on 65 minutes in this one. He took a similar delayed run-up and placed the ball to the same corner but Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly was equal to the task. It was the Honduran's last act of the game as he made way for Mikey Johnston. The wide man was given the nod to start against Motherwell despite his midweek international exertions with his country. Rodgers revealed beforehand that he was tempted to rest Palma but opted not to because he is suspended for the midweek Champions League clash away to Lazio in Rome. He does always look to be incisive and his unpredictable nature can make him a nightmare to defend against. He slid at a crucial moment in the second half when he was set to pull the trigger. However, most Celtic supporters, if you canvassed them, would likely admit that they are not entirely convinced with his run-ups for penalties.

Tony Haggerty

Turnbull at it again

Players always have a knack of scoring against their former team, don’t they? Converting from the spot, Turnbull notched for his fourth consecutive game, after strikes against St Mirren, Ross County and Aberdeen. A reliable source for goals, the Scotland international will be annoyed at being placed on the bench once again, yet he made the difference when he was called upon. The midfielder makes up for the physical deficiencies in his game by being technically sound. With six months left on his contract, Turnbull has a big decision to make about his long-term future. Regardless, he is showing his class, though he could have done better with a chance right at the end. One of the only positives of a bad day at the office for Celtic. 

Ryan McGinlay

Penalty to Celtic...no make that two!

Penalty to Rangers has been the familiar cry from those of a green and white persuasion but here we are. They had VAR to thank for gaining two awards in this one as referee Steven McLean twice went to the monitor and came down in Celtic's favour. However, this was a tale of two penalties which saw the champions spill two crucial Premiership points. Turnbull confidently stroked home after Palma had spurned a golden opportunity to claim his second consecutive penalty in two league games. History repeated itself with more late drama as Motherwell exacted some revenge from the corresponding fixture at Fir Park back in September. Celtic will be bitterly disappointed they conceded from a set play. Celtic only have themselves to blame for not taking all three points in this one.

Tony Haggerty