Sky Sports' pundits were unrelenting in their critique of Martin O'Neill's Celtic after the club suffered a second loss to Rangers within eight days. The disappointment was compounded by a recent Europa League setback against Ferencvaros, leaving the Hoops entering the international break with only a slender two‑point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while Rangers, buoyed by a 1‑0 win at Parkhead, appeared poised to mount a genuine title challenge. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon, who has overseen numerous Old Firm triumphs both as a player and as a coach, argued that the timing of the break could be advantageous, offering the squad a chance to "reset".
O'Neill, however, tempered the alarmist tone, telling Sky Sports that the winless spell should not be labelled 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 chances. We had a lot of possession but failed to turn that into goals." He added that Celtic's recent history demonstrates an ability to bounce back from adversity. "It's concerning, but not a disaster. We need to rethink and reset.
It's a time for self‑reflection," O'Neill explained. Lennon was less forgiving. "Outworked – that’s the worst label you can give a team – and battered, actually battered," he said, describing Rangers' performance at Celtic Park as dominant in every respect. He praised the Glasgow side’s physicality, stamina and overall footballing quality, noting that while Celtic appeared stronger in the first half, they became "totally disjointed" after the break.
"All the best players were in a blue shirt today. Celtic have a lot to ponder and a lot to work out," Lennon continued.
He highlighted the upcoming international break as a potential lifeline, despite the likelihood that several key players will be away on national duty. "There needs to be a total reset because the last three performances in a week have been very, very poor," he warned. Former teammate Chris Sutton echoed the concerns, describing the defeat as "big problems" for O'Neill's side. "They were smashed by Rangers and that's a concern," Sutton said, adding that the margin of defeat was unusually large for an Old Firm clash.
Even former Rangers striker Alan McManus weighed in, noting the stark contrast between the two sides. "I can't remember a Celtic team being beaten so comprehensively at Celtic Park by Rangers," he remarked, suggesting that Celtic seemed to be improvising as the match unfolded. Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd, a former Rangers player, highlighted the growing issues for the reigning champions. "To dominate a Celtic side the way Rangers did should have been more convincing than it was," he observed.
"Celtic are lucky to have lost only 1‑0. The changes Martin made at halftime and the substitutes he introduced made zero impact.
Right now, Celtic are a team in big trouble." The broader context of Celtic's recent form adds weight to these criticisms. The Europa League loss to Ferencvaros, a match in which the Hoops struggled to impose themselves, left them with a dented confidence heading into domestic competition. Coupled with the Old Firm defeat, the team has now endured three poor results in a single week – a sequence that is rare for a club accustomed to challenging for titles. Analysts point to several tactical and psychological factors that may be contributing to the slump.
O'Neill's decision to start with a more possession‑based approach failed to translate into clear-cut chances, and the lack of a decisive breakthrough allowed Rangers to sit back, absorb pressure, and launch swift counter‑attacks. The second‑half collapse suggests a possible fitness issue or a loss of focus, as players appeared disconnected and unable to execute the game plan. Looking ahead, the international break could serve as a crucial period for O'Neill to reassess his squad, experiment with formations, and reinvigorate morale.
The manager is likely to use the time to work on defensive solidity, improve transitional play, and perhaps integrate younger talent who have shown promise in training. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely how Celtic respond once league action resumes. The club's storied history of resilience offers some optimism, but the margin for error is narrowing.
If the team cannot quickly address the deficiencies exposed by Rangers and Ferencvaros, they risk seeing their lead evaporate and their title ambitions fade. In summary, the consensus among former players, analysts, and the media is clear: Celtic are in a precarious position and must use the upcoming break to reset their tactics, rebuild confidence, and restore the standards expected of Scotland's most successful club.
The next few weeks will be decisive in determining whether they can halt the slide and reclaim their footing at the top of the Premiership.