Analysis
Celtic 'team in regression' under Martin O'Neill and manager to blame, says Chris Sutton
Celtic missed the chance to move seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership; it was Falkirk's first win against the Hoops since 2007; Martin O'Neill's side have won just three of their last 10 games in all competitions
Sunday 1 November 2026 17:07, UK
"It's a lottery waiting for the Celtic team. Who knows what team Martin is going to pick?"
Sky Sports' Chris Sutton did not hold back after his former club fell to a shock 2-0 defeat at Falkirk, insisting he is watching a "team in regression."
Ethan Ross' early goal was added to by Scott Tanser's excellent finish, as Celtic's defensive frailties were exposed once again.
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The defeat leaves Celtic with a record of three wins from their past 10 outings as they failed to extend their four-point lead at the top of the table, with Besiktas next in the Europa League, where they have lost three of three.
"The club and the team are in regression. They're just not a good functioning team at this moment in time," the former Hoops striker said.
"Martin will say they're top of the league but in Europe, they're ahead of a team from an outpost in Azerbaijan or Armenia, but that's it. They've been woeful in Europe.
"Celtic fans, quite rightly, expect more.
"Celtic have had issues all season. It's not a great surprise that Celtic have come to Falkirk and been rolled over.
"They weren't great in the week and I still don't think Martin O'Neill knows his best XI.
"There's not an area of the team or the club that is functioning as it should this season and that's a problem.
"There's this big debate about Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham and their coaching, or is it on Martin?
"This is all on Martin because he employs the coaches and he will ask them to play and train in a certain way.
"It's hard to see how Celtic are actually set up. It's a bit off the cuff - get the ball to Hassan and hope he can do something.
"That's the way it has been essentially all season."
'We're still top of the league'
The defeat was Celtic's second in the Premiership this season, and followed their 2-2 draw at home to Dundee United.
But for the manager, there is no reason to panic.
"We're still top of the league," O'Neill told Sky Sports at full-time.
"We came from a mile behind last year to win the league. A mile behind on two or three occasions as well too.
"We're still in a decent position at this minute. We've played a lot of football as well.
"I keep out the noise at the end of it all.
"I've managed this team now for about a year, give or take a month or two, and I've managed before.
"Celtic are used to winning, as you can tell by the number of trophies they've won in the last 25 years."
'Where are Celtic going?'
After returning to the club twice last season following the departures of Brendan Rodgers then Wilfried Nancy, Martin O'Neill agreed to take permanent charge in the summer after securing a league and cup double.
Sky Sports' Kris Boyd believes the current run casts doubt over his Parkhead future.
"Celtic have got a team that if they're all functioning - as we saw against Hearts - they can still cause problems to any team in the league.
"But they're not functioning properly.
"There are other managers under severe pressure. There have to be serious questions asked about Martin [O'Neill] now.
"Last season is over now... and right now, for Celtic to have lost six in the last ten in all competitions still isn't good enough. They're miles off it.
"Overall if you look at Celtic right now, where are they going?
"If you're operating as a top football club, you should already have a list of who your next managers are.
"Celtic haven't a clue what they're doing... the hierarchy will say 'we're still successful, we're still winning', but eventually it catches up with you if you don't have a plan in place."
