The commentary from Sky Sports' panel was scathing as they dissected Martin O'Neill's Celtic side following a second loss to Rangers within just eight days. The defeat came on the back of a disappointing showing against Ferencvaros in the Europa League, leaving the Hoops to head into the international break merely two points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Rangers, meanwhile, have signalled they are genuine title contenders this season with a 1-0 win at Parkhead that underscored their intent.
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the timing of the break could not be more appropriate for the squad to hit the reset button. While O'Neill echoed Lennon's sentiment, he was quick to temper the narrative, insisting that a week without a win does not constitute a "disaster". "It was a tough game. I don't think there's very much between the teams," the 74‑year‑old manager said.
"We should have created more. We had a lot of possession. It has been a tough week. The history of the club proves it will fight back from these things.
It's concerning. Is it a disaster? I don't think so. We have to rethink and reset.
It's a time for self‑reflection." Lennon, who enjoyed a wealth of Old Firm victories both as a player and as a manager, did not mince words after watching Rangers dominate at Celtic Park. "Rangers were the far superior team, not just in physical attributes and running power, but football," he observed.
"They played all the football. I thought Celtic were a lot better than they have been in the first half, without being brilliant. But second half, totally disjointed, totally outplayed.
All the best players were in a blue shirt today. Celtic have a lot to ponder and a lot to work out." He added that the international break could serve as a crucial period for the team to regroup, even though many players will be away on national duty.
"There needs to be a total reset because the last three performances in the space of a week have been very, very poor. Celtic have got big problems. They were smashed by Rangers and that's a concern," Lennon said. Former teammate Chris Sutton reinforced the criticism, stating, "Celtic have got big problems.
They were smashed by Rangers and that's a concern." He went on to praise Martin O'Neill's dedication but warned that the gap between the sides was alarming. "Knowing Martin, he'll be greatly concerned. I don't like to disagree with him but it wasn't a close game. There was a massive gulf between the teams.
I can't actually remember a Celtic team getting such a drubbing at Celtic Park from a Rangers team, which happened today. It looked like Celtic were making it up as they went along.
Rangers were better in every department." Sutton summed up the sentiment succinctly: "It was men against boys, it was the exact same as last week." Rangers' own former player and Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd also weighed in, highlighting the growing concerns for the champions. "To come and dominate a Celtic team as much as what they did, it should have been more convincing than what it was," he remarked. "Celtic are lucky to get out of here 1-0. You look at the changes that Martin made at the start of the game, the subs that came on made zero impact as well.
Right now, Celtic are a team that's in big trouble." The collective analysis paints a picture of a Celtic side that is struggling to find consistency and cohesion. After a week that saw a loss in the domestic derby, a sub‑par European outing, and a lackluster performance against a resurgent Rangers side, the pressure on O'Neill and his coaching staff is mounting. The club's storied history of bouncing back from adversity offers some optimism, but the immediate task is clear: use the international break to reassess tactics, restore confidence, and re‑ignite the fighting spirit that has defined Celtic for decades.
In practical terms, the reset may involve a thorough review of the team's defensive shape, which appeared porous against Rangers' high‑pressing approach, as well as a re‑evaluation of the midfield's ability to transition quickly from possession to attack. O'Neill's substitution strategy also came under scrutiny; the replacements failed to change the game's momentum, suggesting that either the bench lacks the necessary quality or that the timing of the changes was misjudged.
Furthermore, the psychological impact of consecutive defeats cannot be ignored. Players who are accustomed to winning titles may find it challenging to cope with a string of setbacks, especially when the media narrative turns sharply critical. Leadership within the squad, both from senior figures and the manager, will be essential in restoring morale. Looking ahead, Celtic will need to capitalize on the break to address fitness concerns, integrate any returning internationals, and perhaps experiment with alternative formations that can better counter Rangers' physicality and tactical flexibility.
The club's scouting and recruitment departments may also be prompted to identify immediate reinforcements, particularly in defense, to shore up vulnerabilities exposed in recent matches. In summary, the consensus among pundits and former Celtic stalwarts is that the club is at a crossroads. While the situation is not yet a catastrophe, the warning signs are unmistakable.
A concerted effort to reset, reflect, and rebuild will be vital if Celtic hopes to maintain their lead in the Scottish Premiership and restore their reputation as the dominant force in Scottish football.