Can Motherwell's Strong Defense Propel Them to the Title?

Motherwell is making waves in the Scottish Premiership, currently sitting just one point behind third-placed Celtic, bolstered by the stellar performance of top scorer Tawanda Maswanhise, who has netted 16 goals this season. This unexpected surge in form has put the club in a position to challenge for the title, with their defensive prowess being a significant factor in their success.

Last updated: 01 March 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

Motherwell's recent victory over Dundee United has solidified their standing in the Scottish Premiership, bringing them within striking distance of the league's top teams. The team has demonstrated impressive defensive capabilities, achieving four consecutive clean sheets, which has contributed to their current position in the league. Manager Jens Berthel Askou's strategies appear to be paying off, as the squad is now seen as a formidable competitor in the league.

Key takeaways

Tawanda Maswanhise leads the league with 16 goals, highlighting his crucial role in Motherwell's attack.
The team's defence has conceded just 18 goals in 28 matches, ranking them among the best in Europe.
Motherwell's clean sheet against Dundee United showcases their strong defensive discipline.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the Scottish Premiership season, several key events have shaped the current landscape:

August 2025: The season commenced with Motherwell struggling to find their footing.
Mid-December 2025: Tawanda Maswanhise emerges as a key player, beginning a scoring streak that would lead him to the top of the league's charts.
February 2026: Motherwell's defensive solidity begins to form, with a series of clean sheets bolstering their position in the league.
01 March 2026: A crucial 2-0 victory over Dundee United places them within a point of Celtic.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent win against Dundee United not only strengthens Motherwell's league position but also highlights their defensive capabilities, with four clean sheets in a row. The team's performance under pressure has been commendable, indicating a potential shift in their season trajectory.

What was already established

Prior to this run, Motherwell was not considered a title contender, with fans and pundits alike questioning their ability to compete at the top level. However, the emergence of key players such as Maswanhise and their solid defensive record have changed perceptions significantly.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As Motherwell positions itself as a contender in the Scottish Premiership, local businesses and fans may see increased engagement with the club, potentially boosting local economies through matchday revenues and merchandise sales.

Businesses and jobs

Success on the pitch can lead to increased investment in the club, potentially opening new job opportunities within the team and associated businesses, from hospitality to retail.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish Premiership's competitive landscape can influence policies regarding sports funding and community engagement, impacting how clubs interact with their local communities.

Numbers that matter

16: Goals scored by Tawanda Maswanhise, making him the league's top scorer.
18: Goals conceded by Motherwell in 28 league matches, the best defensive record in the league.
4: Consecutive clean sheets achieved by Motherwell.
1: Point separating Motherwell from third-placed Celtic.
10: Points behind league leaders Hearts.

Definitions and jargon buster

Clean sheet: A game in which a team does not concede any goals.
League table: A ranking of teams in a league based on points earned through match results.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the upcoming matches, it is crucial for Motherwell to maintain their defensive discipline while also capitalising on their attacking prowess, particularly against tough opponents like Celtic and Hearts.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses towards the split, Motherwell must consistently perform to keep their title hopes alive, requiring both tactical adjustments and player fitness management.

Signals to watch

Upcoming fixtures against Celtic and Hearts will be critical in determining their title challenge.
Player performance metrics, particularly for Maswanhise and key defenders, will indicate overall team success.

Practical guidance

Do

Continue to focus on defensive cohesion during training sessions.
Encourage attacking players to maintain their scoring momentum.

Don’t

Underestimate the challenge posed by any remaining opponents.
Ignore the importance of squad rotation to maintain player fitness.

Checklist

Assess player fitness levels regularly.
Review game footage to evaluate defensive strategies.
Prepare for high-pressure matches mentally and tactically.
Engage with fans to foster community support.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Motherwell's current form is impressive, uncertainties remain, particularly regarding player injuries and the unpredictability of match outcomes. Additionally, the pressure of competing with larger clubs like Celtic and Rangers could impact their performance as the season progresses.

Bottom line

Motherwell's rise in the Scottish Premiership, spearheaded by Tawanda Maswanhise and a rock-solid defence, presents an exciting narrative for fans and analysts alike. Their ability to maintain this form could see them challenging for the title, making for a thrilling end to the season.

FAQs

Who is the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership?

The top scorer in the Scottish Premiership is Tawanda Maswanhise, with 16 goals this season, significantly contributing to Motherwell's success.

What is Motherwell's current position in the league?

Motherwell currently sits one point behind third-placed Celtic, showcasing a strong competitive edge as they approach the league split.

How many clean sheets has Motherwell achieved this season?

Motherwell has achieved four consecutive clean sheets, highlighting their defensive strength throughout the season.