The commentary from Sky Sports analysts was scathing as they dissected Martin O'Neill's Celtic side following a second loss to Rangers within just eight days. The defeat at Parkhead, coupled with a recent Europa League setback against Ferencvaros, left the Hoops entering the international break merely two points ahead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, while a surging Rangers side demonstrated that they are genuine title contenders with a 1-0 triumph on Celtic's home turf. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the timing of the break could not be better, offering the squad a chance to "reset" after a string of disappointing results.

O'Neill, while acknowledging Lennon's viewpoint, cautioned against labeling the winless spell a "disaster". Speaking to Sky Sports, the 74‑year‑old manager said, "It was a tough game. I don't think there's very much between the teams.

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 a coach, did not mince words after witnessing Rangers dominate at Celtic Park. "Rangers were the far superior team, not just in physical attributes and running power, but football," he asserted. "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 upcoming international break could serve as a crucial reset point, even though many Celtic 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, echoing the sentiments of his former teammate Chris Sutton. Sutton agreed, noting, "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." The criticism extended beyond the coaching staff. Former Rangers forward Kris Boyd, now a pundit for Sky Sports, highlighted the growing woes of the defending champions. "To come and dominate a Celtic team as much as what they did, it should have been more convincing than what it was," Boyd 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 broader picture suggests that Celtic's recent form is not merely a blip but a symptom of deeper issues.

Their possession‑heavy approach failed to translate into clear-cut chances, and the lack of tactical flexibility left them exposed to Rangers' high‑pressing, physically robust style. Defensive lapses in the second half, especially in the midfield transition, allowed Rangers to exploit gaps and create the solitary goal that decided the match. Looking ahead, the international break offers a rare window for O'Neill to evaluate his squad, address fitness concerns, and perhaps rethink his strategic framework.

The manager may need to consider rotating players who are fatigued from international duties, integrating younger talents who can inject energy, and possibly tweaking the formation to provide more defensive stability while retaining attacking intent. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely how Celtic respond once play resumes.

The club's storied history of bouncing back from adversity provides a foundation of optimism, but the immediate challenge is clear: they must halt the slide, restore confidence, and demonstrate that they can compete with a Rangers side that appears to be hitting its stride at the perfect moment in the season. In summary, Celtic's recent defeats have sparked a chorus of criticism from former players, analysts, and the media. The consensus is that a comprehensive reset—both mentally and tactically—is essential if the Hoops are to reclaim their position at the top of Scottish football and avoid further erosion of their title credentials.