The commentary from Sky Sports analysts was brutally frank when they dissected Martin O'Neill’s Celtic side following their second loss to Rangers in just eight days. The disappointment was compounded by a recent setback in the Europa League, where Celtic were beaten by Ferencvaros, leaving the team to head into the international break only two points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Meanwhile, Rangers demonstrated that they are genuine title challengers this season with a 1-0 triumph at Celtic Park. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the pause provided by the international break arrives at a crucial moment, offering the squad a chance to "reset".
O'Neill, while acknowledging the sentiment, cautioned against labeling the winless spell a "disaster". "It was a tough game. I don’t think there’s much difference between the two sides," the 74‑year‑old manager said, noting that Celtic had dominated possession but failed to create enough chances. "We should have produced more.
It has been a difficult week, but the club’s history shows it will bounce back from setbacks. Is it a disaster?
I don’t think so. We need to rethink and reset. It’s a period for self‑reflection." Lennon, who enjoyed a wealth of Old Firm victories both as a player and a manager, did not mince words after watching Rangers run riot at Parkhead.
"Rangers were the far superior side, not just in physicality and stamina but in the overall quality of their football," he observed. "They controlled the game.
Celtic looked better in the first half, but not brilliant. The second half was completely disjointed and we were outplayed." He added that the best players on the field wore blue that day, underscoring the magnitude of the task ahead for Celtic.
"They have a lot to think about and a lot to fix. The international break comes at a good time for them, even though many will be away on national duty.
A full reset is essential because the last three performances in a week have been extremely poor. Celtic have serious problems. Being smashed by Rangers is a major concern," Lennon said.
Former teammate Chris Sutton echoed the criticism, stating, "Knowing Martin, he’ll be deeply worried. I don’t want to disagree with him, but it wasn’t a close game. There was a huge gap between the sides. I can’t recall a Celtic team being beaten so comprehensively at Celtic Park by Rangers.
It seemed like Celtic were improvising as the match went on. Rangers were superior in every department. It was men versus boys, just like last week." Rangers’ own former player‑turned‑pundit Kris Boyd praised his current club’s performance while highlighting Celtic’s growing woes.
"To dominate a Celtic side the way they did, the result should have been more convincing," he remarked. "Celtic were lucky to lose only 1‑0.
Look at the changes Martin made at halftime – the substitutes made no impact. At this moment, Celtic are a team in big trouble." The consensus among the pundits is clear: Celtic’s recent form is alarming, and a period of introspection is required.
The combination of a narrow league defeat, a European loss, and an overall lack of cutting edge has left supporters and former players alike questioning the direction of the club. While O'Neill remains optimistic that the break will provide a chance to regroup, the reality on the pitch suggests that tactical adjustments, renewed motivation, and perhaps personnel changes are needed to bridge the gap with a resurgent Rangers side.
Looking ahead, the international break offers a valuable window for recovery. Players returning from international duty will bring fresh experiences, but the coaching staff must use the time to address the tactical deficiencies exposed by Rangers – particularly in the second half, where Celtic appeared disorganized and out of sync. The emphasis on possession must be matched with decisive creation and defensive solidity if the team hopes to reclaim its dominant position in the league.
In summary, the recent defeats have placed Celtic in a precarious position. The club’s storied history of resilience provides hope, but the magnitude of the loss to Rangers and the sub‑par performances across competitions signal that a comprehensive reset – both mentally and strategically – is essential for the team to return to winning ways.