Celtic are ‘a point better off than last year’ as perspective urged over difficult start | OneFootball

Peter Grant has urged some perspective over Celtic’s difficult start to the season, insisting the Hoops’ position at the top of the Premiership should not be overlooked.

Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic looks on before during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Martin O’Neill’s side have come under heavy criticism following consecutive Glasgow Derby defeats, with last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Rangers increasing the pressure on the Celtic boss.

However, the Hoops remain two points clear at the summit after seven league matches and are actually one point better off than they were at the same stage last season.

Grant, who understands the frustration from a supporter’s perspective, believes some of the reaction has ignored Celtic’s position.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Grant said: “Celtic are a point better off than last year and two points clear at the top of the league. And nobody mentions it, really.

“Everybody’s mentioned how great Rangers have done. They’re still two points behind Celtic. That’s the bottom line.

“I look at it from both sides, because obviously I look at it as a supporter, and I understand the frustrations of everything else that goes around it.

“I also look at it from a management side, where you’ve got to have that positivity. All the criticism, all the tough times it’s been. But, you’re still two points clear of the league.

“If you’re sitting eight or six points behind, you’re starting to say, ‘Well, how are we going to get that back? You’re sitting two points in front – and you’ve not played well yet.

“But I’m not like everybody else thinking the league’s over. That’s the way people are talking, as if Rangers have won the championship already. So let’s not be kidded.

“You’d have thought they were handing the trophy out to the weekend. There’s a long time to go. And Celtic have to perform. There’s no doubt of that.”

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