The outcome was much needed for Celtic and the change in the crowd come full-time was quite staggering.
Their manager cited a need for increased intensity and initially there was some but it dipped in a way that is becoming familiar.
That they found a route to three points is to their credit. Clearly, there is work to be done on improving performances and carrying threat.
There are often moments in seasons when something clicks. Celtic will hope this win, and the nature of it, will prove to be the start of moving past recent negativity and looking more like the team most people expect.
Maeda was the hero but looked a shell of himself for long spells. This dramatic win might prove a turning point. Sheer will went a long way.
In contrast, Motherwell seem to be on to something under Jens Berthel-Askou's leadership but questions will follow at the concession of Celtic's leveller.
Having done so well for so long to establish their lead, they threw it away needlessly. A case of what might have been but the visitors deserve huge credit for their overall performance.
They didn't look inferior for long spells, albeit they were increasingly pushed back. It's a sore one but one they can draw real positives from with some lessons to be learned.