The commentary from Sky Sports analysts was scathing after Martin O'Neill's Celtic suffered a second loss to Rangers within just eight days. The disappointment was compounded by a recent Europa League setback, when Celtic were beaten by Ferencvaros, leaving the club perched only two points ahead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Rangers, meanwhile, demonstrated that they are genuine title contenders by edging Celtic 1-0 at Parkhead. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the forthcoming international break arrives at an opportune moment for the team to "reset" its approach.
While O'Neill agrees that a period of reflection is needed, he stopped short of labeling the recent run of results a "disaster". "It was a tough game. I don't think there's very much between the teams," the 74‑year‑old manager told Sky Sports.
"We should have created more chances. We had a lot of possession, but we failed to turn that into goals." O'Neill added that the club's history shows it can bounce back from adversity.
"It's concerning, but I wouldn't call it a disaster. We need to rethink and reset.
It's a time for self‑reflection," he said. He also noted that being out‑worked is perhaps the worst criticism a side can receive, describing Celtic as "battered" after the defeat. Lennon, who enjoyed considerable success as both a player and a manager in Old Firm clashes, was far less forgiving.
"Rangers were the far superior side, not just physically but in terms of footballing quality," he observed. "They dictated the game. Celtic looked better in the first half, but it wasn't brilliant.
The second half was a different story – completely disjointed and outplayed." He emphasized that all of Celtic's key players wore the blue shirt that day and now have a lot to contemplate. "The international break could be a blessing," Lennon suggested, acknowledging that many of the squad will be away on national duty.
"However, there must be a total reset because the last three performances in a week have been very, very poor. Celtic have big problems. Being smashed by Rangers is a serious concern," he warned. Former teammate Chris Sutton echoed these sentiments, adding that the defeat highlighted deeper issues.
"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," Sutton said. He recalled that he could not remember a Celtic side being so thoroughly outclassed at Celtic Park by Rangers.
"It looked like Celtic were making it up as they went along. Rangers were better in every department. It was men against boys, just like last week." Rangers' own former player and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd praised his current club's performance while pointing out Celtic's growing problems.
"To dominate a Celtic side the way Rangers did should have been more convincing than it was," Boyd noted. He criticized the tactical changes made by O'Neill, saying the substitutions had "zero impact". "Celtic are lucky to have lost only 1-0. Right now, Celtic are a team in big trouble," he concluded.
The consensus among pundits is clear: Celtic must use the break to regroup, address tactical deficiencies, and restore confidence. The club's recent form—two defeats in eight days, a lackluster European outing, and a slipping lead at the top of the league—suggests that without decisive action, the title challenge could slip away. O'Neill and his coaching staff now face the task of translating self‑reflection into concrete changes on the training ground, ensuring that the squad returns with renewed focus and a clearer game plan when play resumes after the international hiatus.