The commentary from Sky Sports analysts was scathing when they evaluated Martin O'Neill’s Celtic side following a second loss to Rangers within an eight‑day span. The defeat came on top of a disappointing showing against Ferencvaros in the Europa League, leaving the Hoops to head into the international break only two points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers, meanwhile, demonstrated they are genuine title contenders by edging Celtic 1‑0 at Parkhead. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the timing of the break could not be more appropriate, suggesting that the squad should use the pause to "reset" its approach. While O'Neill concurs that a reassessment 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. "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, was far less diplomatic 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 upcoming international break might actually benefit the team, despite the likelihood that several 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," he said.
Former teammate Chris Sutton echoed the sentiment, noting the severity of the loss. "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 thrashing at Celtic Park from a Rangers side, which happened today. It looked like Celtic were making it up as they went along.
Rangers were better in every department. It was men against boys, it was the exact same as last week." Rangers’ own former player‑turned‑analyst Kris Boyd praised his current club’s performance while highlighting the growing issues 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," Boyd said. "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 combination of a narrow league defeat, a sub‑par showing in Europe, and the evident lack of cohesion on the pitch points to deeper tactical and psychological problems within O'Neill’s squad. Fans and pundits alike are questioning whether the current tactical setup maximises the talent at Celtic’s disposal. The team has struggled to translate possession into clear-cut chances, often appearing tentative in the final third.
Defensive lapses, especially in the second half of the Rangers match, exposed a lack of concentration and organizational discipline. Looking ahead, the international break offers a natural window for O'Neill to evaluate his options.
He may consider rotating the squad, giving younger players a chance to prove themselves, or even altering the formation to provide more stability in midfield. The coaching staff will likely review video footage to identify moments where the team lost shape, and they may implement targeted training sessions focused on pressing, transition play, and set‑piece defending.
Moreover, the psychological impact of back‑to‑back defeats cannot be ignored. Players need to regain confidence, and the manager’s communication will be crucial in rebuilding belief. A clear message about expectations, combined with a refreshed tactical plan, could help the squad emerge stronger after the break. In summary, Celtic’s recent performances have sparked a chorus of criticism from former players, analysts, and fans.
While the club’s storied history suggests resilience, the current situation demands a comprehensive reset—both mentally and tactically—if the Hoops are to reclaim their position at the top of Scottish football.