Celtic beaten by Falkirk in Scottish Premiership as pundits question club’s direction
Celtic were defeated by Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, a result that represented their sixth loss in 10 matches in all competitions, and prompted former striker Chris Sutton to say the club was "in regression." Sutton made his remarks on Sky Sports after the game, adding that it was "one of those days" for Celtic earlier in the contest.
Sitting atop the Premiership after 12 games, Celtic had shown strong domestic results earlier in the season, recovering from League Cup and league losses to Rangers with a win at Motherwell, a 7-1 home victory over Hearts and a 2-1 comeback win at Hibernian. A 2-2 draw with Dundee United on Wednesday was cited as a missed chance to increase their lead, but they remain four points clear despite the recent run of results.
The match saw Falkirk earn their first win over Celtic in 19 years, with goalkeeper Scott Bain, playing against his former club, described as having excelled and Falkirk "dug in" when required. Statistical details in the game included Celtic having 24 shots to Falkirk's six, nine on target compared to Falkirk's two (their two goals), 14 corners to Falkirk's none, more than double the possession, and almost three times as many touches in the opposition box.
Chris Sutton criticised the team’s overall functioning, saying: "Martin's not going to say it, of course, but the club is in regression, the team is in regression," and adding: "They're just not a good functioning team at this moment in time. It's hard to see how Celtic are actually set up and it is a bit off the cuff. "They're deficient in every area of the team. This current team are miles off it. Where is the plan, what's the strategy?" Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd said he "couldn't see what Celtic were trying to do." Former Falkirk manager Ian McCall pointed to age and injury affecting key players, saying: "Carter-Vickers, Tierney, McGregor, Forrest - all of them for different reasons aren't quite what they were," and adding: "It's not a vintage Celtic."
Martin O'Neill, who returned to the Celtic dugout last season to lead them to a league and cup double, noted the club's comparative position this season and defended squad rotation. He said: "I don't know whether [supporters] are angry. Every single time that Celtic lose a game, people can be angry and frustrated. We come under scrutiny and so we should because this is it, the club is used to winning. "It's a long season. This time last year, we were in a worse position." On selection he added: "Why would you not change the team? We have an abundance of games," and: "We're playing European football. We're trying to hold the Scottish flag up, so we have to change. It's hard for the same players to play every single week."
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner said on BBC Radio Scotland it had been "a brilliant weekend for Rangers", noting Rangers won their League Cup semi-final with Aberdeen on Saturday, and that Celtic's defeat would allow Rangers to close the gap when they play their extra game. Bonner added that the situation would "put huge pressure on to Celtic with the European game coming up now in midweek also. That is going to be tough for them to bounce back from this."
Fan reaction published alongside the report included a range of views: Alan: "Sorry to say, but the plot has been lost. Strange bench selection. Even stranger half time sub. Then we take off our best two midfielders and leave an underperforming captain on the pitch. What is going on??" Imran: "I think football has changed too much for O'Neill to be a modern manager. I think he should take a back seat and allow a younger, more ambitious manager to take charge. It would be a shame for his legacy to be tarnished and that's what looks like will happen as no major changes look imminent." Sean: "Very, very Poor. Falkirk deserved the win." Kevin: "Keep the faith Celtic fans... stay strong." Edward: "Dismal display, Johnstone is not in any way superior to Sinisalo, was surprised at Carter Vickers performance. The unthinkable must now be thought. Is Martin O'Neill able to progress this side? If the answer was Forrest, Tounekti and McCowan the question is NOT how to win a football match." Liam: "Enough is enough. This is rapidly turning into a disaster and we need change: from the board to the manager to the coaching staff to the players. So much for quality over quantity."
Besiktas in the Europa League are next up at Celtic Park, a home game Celtic "really need to win to stand any chance of progress in that competition after starting with three defeats."
