Are individual errors holding back impressive Motherwell?

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30/08/2025

In the aftermath of a fourth straight Scottish Premiership draw, Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou was once again praising a dominant display but was left rueing another match his team had failed to see out.

With each passing week, the Lanarkshire side are proving to be one of the stories of the season under their Danish manager with a brave and free-flowing approach.

But, despite still being unbeaten, they are yet to win a league game after goalkeeper Calum Ward's error gifted Kilmarnock a point in Stuart Kettlewell's return to Fir Park.

Last week, a sensational three-goal lead was relinquished at Tynecastle, with keeper Ward unconvincing for two of Hearts' three strikes.

At the start of the month, captain Paul McGinn's shanked pass on the opening day of the Premiership season resulted in a Rangers corner, which Russell Martin's men scored from.

On the evidence of their first four league games, this Motherwell team looks too good to have their season defined by individual errors - but how do they take the next step?

If you told any Motherwell fan at the start of this season that they would have four points from four league games against Rangers, Hearts, St Mirren and Kilmarnock, a firm handshake would follow.

But the fact that feels somewhat cruel highlights the level Askou's side have performed at in the infancy of his debut campaign in Scotland.

Evaluating his Premiership introduction, the former Copenhagen and Sparta Prague coach told BBC Scotland: "We've had the opportunity to get more points, but we've won points in every game.

"There's a lot of dominance and a lot of control. We are trying to be more productive and effective."

Askou is not exaggerating when pointing out the dominance his team has had in games.

In Saturday's 2-2 with Kilmarnock, they had 73% possession. In their goalless draw at St Mirren, they had 66% of the ball.

At a shellshocked Tynecastle, they were 3-0 up by the 62nd minute before a late collapse.

"As good as I've seen in years in the SPFL," was how former Hearts boss Steven Naismith described Motherwell's display in the first hour in Gorgie.

Against Rangers, the Fir Park side racked up an expected goals rating of 2.13 with 17 shots. They have also created the third most big chances in the Premiership.

What Motherwell fans are watching feels unprecedented. Last season, they averaged 42% possession across the campaign, the second lowest in the division.

Their current average of 57% is bettered only by Celtic, Rangers, Hibernian and Hearts.

Granted, it is a much smaller sample size, but the early signs are hugely encouraging, even with a zero in their wins column.

Of course, possession does not win games, especially when individual errors are costing you - but that comes with a high-risk approach.

Despite that, calls will come from the support to see Ward, who has looked comfortable with his feet but unconvincing with his hands, dropped following Saturday's draw.

Askou has Aston Oxborough as an option if he chooses to switch his keeper, but he appears to be unfancied.

What we know is the 27-year-old is an excellent shot-stopper, given his save percentage of 71% was the third best in the Premiership last term.

But with the transfer window open until Monday night, might Askou dip into the market to find a keeper who can offer him the best of Oxborough and Ward?

The goalkeeping position is the one area the manager is yet to strengthen, and this week he indicated there may be one or two players still to come in before the deadline.

"There's been a lot of change, now it's the final pieces," he said.

"We'll see if there's one or two new faces, or maybe we'll sharpen up the squad a little bit the other way as well."