The commentary from Sky Sports analysts was unrelentingly harsh as they dissected Martin O'Neill's Celtic side following a second loss to Rangers within just eight days. The defeat came on top of a disappointing showing against Ferencvaros in the Europa League, leaving the Glasgow club entering the international break with a slender two‑point lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers, meanwhile, signalled their intent to mount a genuine title challenge by securing a 1‑0 victory at Celtic Park. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the timing of the break could not be more appropriate for the squad to "reset" its approach.
While O'Neill concurs that a period of reflection is necessary, 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 said in his interview with Sky Sports. "We should have created more chances – we had a lot of possession but failed to turn it into quality opportunities." He added that the club’s history shows it can rebound from setbacks: "The club has always fought back from difficult periods.
It is concerning, but not a disaster. We need to rethink and reset.
It's a time for self‑reflection." Lennon's remarks were punctuated by the observation that Celtic were "outworked, which is the worst label you can give a team, and battered" in the encounter. Lennon, who enjoyed a wealth of Old Firm success both as a player and as a manager, did not mince words when describing Rangers' performance at Parkhead. "Rangers were the far superior side, not just physically but in terms of footballing quality," he asserted.
"They dominated the game. Celtic looked much better in the first half, but we were never brilliant. In the second half we became completely disjointed and were outplayed." He continued, "All the best players wore the blue shirt today.
Celtic have a lot to think about and a lot to work on. The international break arrives at a useful moment.
Many of our players will be away on national duty, but we need a total reset because the last three performances in a week have been very, very poor." Former teammate Chris Sutton echoed the sentiment, describing the defeat as "big problems" for the club. "They were smashed by Rangers and that is a real concern," Sutton said.
"Knowing Martin, he'll be deeply worried. I don't want to disagree with him, but it simply wasn't a close game. There was a massive gulf between the sides." Sutton added that he could not recall a Celtic side being so thoroughly outclassed at Celtic Park by Rangers.
"It seemed like Celtic were improvising as the match went on. Rangers were better in every department. It was men against boys, exactly the same as last week." Rangers' own former player and current Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd praised his old club's display while highlighting the growing challenges facing the champions. "To dominate a Celtic team the way they did, it should have been more convincing than it was," Boyd remarked.
"Celtic were lucky to lose only 1‑0. The changes Martin made at halftime and the substitutes he brought on had zero impact. Right now, Celtic are a team in big trouble." The string of setbacks – a loss to Rangers, a disappointing Europa League outing, and a lackluster domestic performance – has left Celtic supporters and pundits alike questioning the direction of the squad. The manager's tactical tweaks have yet to produce the desired effect, and the team's inability to convert possession into clear-cut chances has become a recurring theme.
Looking ahead, the international break offers a brief respite for O'Neill to assess his options. He may use the pause to experiment with formations, give fringe players a chance to prove themselves in training, and address the psychological dip evident in recent matches. The club's leadership will also need to consider whether the current roster possesses the depth and quality required to compete on multiple fronts.
In the broader context of Scottish football, Rangers' resurgence adds pressure on Celtic to rediscover the dominance they once enjoyed. The Old Firm rivalry, historically a tight contest, now appears tilted in favour of the Glasgow side that has managed to blend physical intensity with tactical discipline.
For Celtic fans, the message from both former and current insiders is clear: a comprehensive reset is essential. Whether that involves a change in personnel, a shift in tactical philosophy, or simply a renewed mental approach, the club must act decisively if it hopes to protect its lead at the top of the league and restore confidence before the season reaches its crucial stages.