Motherwell's six-game losing run: departures, injuries and defensive decline
Motherwell's worst league run in 23 years has been driven by key summer departures, injuries and a sharp rise in goals conceded, despite underlying attacking numbers holding up.
Motherwell have lost six consecutive league games, their worst such run since Terry Butcher was in charge 23 years ago. It is a striking fall for a side whose free-flowing football under Jens Berthel Askou drew praise last season, when they finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership and were briefly discussed as outside title contenders. Askou has since left for Toulouse, and new boss Alfred Johansson now presides over a team sitting a point off the foot of the table, already out of the League Cup after defeat at Stenhousemuir.
The summer exodus is central to the slump. Elijah Just, described as the heartbeat of the side, departed along with Stephen Welsh, Elliot Watt and Callum Slattery, bringing in substantial fees but leaving a large void in a squad entering European competition. Former Celtic and Hibs midfielder Scott Allan told BBC Scotland that Motherwell lack the same aggression out of possession as last year, arguing that personnel changes are a big factor and that losing that quality leaves them exposed.
The attacking statistics suggest the decline is less severe than results imply. Motherwell are averaging 1.1 goals per game, down from 1.55, yet their expected goals have risen from 1.48 to 1.6, with more shots on target per game and similar numbers of touches in the box, big chances and successful passes into the final third. Allan said the side look less connected than last season, when patient build-up drew opponents to one side before switching play.
The sharper problem is at the other end. Opta figures show goals conceded almost doubling from 0.95 to 1.8 per game, expected goals against rising from 1.24 to 1.76, roughly five more shots faced and nearly 5% fewer duels won. The absences of Welsh and club captain Paul McGinn, plus the departure of goalkeeper Calum Ward to QPR, are cited as significant factors.
Allan framed the run as a perfect storm of new and injured players, a new manager and diminished confidence, rather than a team that is poor in every department. He suggested a scrappy 1-0 win could lift belief, but stressed that the foundation must be stopping conceding. Motherwell visit St Johnstone on Wednesday before hosting St Mirren on Saturday.
Image: SNS / BBC Sport
