Three straight losses, Martin’s got a lot of work to do | OneFootball

Earlier today Celtic suffered our third successive loss in eight days, and the second to our bitter rivals after losing 1-0 at Celtic Park, in yet another questionable performance by the players…

Martin O’Neill arrives at the stadium. Celtic v Rangers. Scottish Premiership. 20 September 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The crowd were up for it, and the players responded as they started impressively in a much changed 3-5-1-1 formation, looking more competent than our previous two fixtures (not that it would be difficult).

But it didn’t last as yet again we dwindled as the game progressed and suffered a sucker punch just after the half hour mark when we went a goal behind just a minute after a Kieran Tierney effort struck the bar.

We didn’t recover, and despite having a few half chances, in all truthfulness, we didn’t look like beaching the visitor’s defence today.

Ryan Naderi of the Rangers celebrates scoring the only goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

In these games you need your fair share of luck, and nothing went in our favour the entire afternoon. Ibrox centre back Fernandez already on a caution should have received his marching orders early on after obstructing Benjamin Nygren in a dangerous area, but referee John Beaton somehow waved play on, despite replays showing that it was a clear foul and a bookable offence.

Referee John Beaton walks out of the tunnel before the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Months of Hearts and Rangers angst directed at Beaton for correctly awarding Celtic a penalty at Fir Park at the end of last season may have played a part in his reluctance to follow the rules of the game on that one. However you can sort of understand it, as he had to have police protection, such was the intensity of the smear campaign against him.

We can’t use that as an excuse for our failings though, as despite a slight improvement on the past two games, we look a pale imitation of the side who won their first six league fixtures.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill looks on during the Scottish Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The pitchforks will naturally be out for Martin O’Neill, but any talk of dismissing the veteran Irishman when the side are still sitting top of table is to me nonsensical.

We now have a three week break due to international fixtures, and it’s the perfect opportunity for Martin and his coaching staff to work together and try to find a system that best suits the current crop of Celtic players.

It’s clear that these players are not comfortable with the current set up, and a change is radically needed if we are to improve in the coming months.

At least this was recognised today and it looked an interesting experiment but one that ultimately unravelled in the second half when we went from no wingers to three with James Forrest lost in the middle of the park.

Rod Stewart is seen in the stands before the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic’s problems run much deeper though, something that many in the support have been talking about for some considerable time and the reason why the Celtic Fans Collective was formed this time last year.

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