While the sample size is small, Nancy must have arrived at Fir Park with the biggest spring in his step to date as Celtic boss.
Leaving Livingston with three points after a ridiculous game on Saturday, in the wake of victory over Aberdeen, had quietened down the early clamour for his exit.
Pre-match, Nancy stressed he was “seeing improvements” all the time.
Met with a raised eyebrow then, heads would have been shaking at such a statement after Celtic were schooled by a magnificent Motherwell, who were expertly guided by Jens Berthel Askou.
The Motherwell manager predicted on Sportsound pre-match it would be “a great game of football, dynamic, intense and high-tempo at times”.
Only the home side lived up to those expectations as they overpowered their visitors in every department.
“Celtic want to play the way Motherwell did,” former Rangers defender Alan Hutton said on Premier Sports following the Lanarkshire side’s first win over Celtic in 35 attempts.
“Celtic are second best, chasing shadows, schooled. On the park and off it,” agreed ex-Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart.
