Celtic beaten by Falkirk as O'Neill faces criticism

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 20:21 · Archive

Celtic lost 2-0 to Falkirk, with commentators criticising manager Martin O'Neill's tactics and team selection.

Celtic lost 2-0 to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership, with Ethan Ross scoring early and Scott Tanser adding a second. The defeat extends Celtic's poor form to three wins in their past ten matches across all competitions.

Despite dominating possession and creating significantly more chances, Celtic's defence proved fragile. The team had 24 shots to Falkirk's six, with nine on target compared to Falkirk's two. Celtic also had 14 corners and more than double Falkirk's possession, yet conceded twice. Former Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain impressed in goal for his former club.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton was critical of manager Martin O'Neill, saying the 'club is in regression' and that the team was 'not a good functioning team at this moment in time'. Sutton questioned whether O'Neill knows his best XI and said there were issues 'in every area' of the club. He noted that whilst Celtic remain top of the league, their European record is poor, with three defeats in three Europa League matches.

Former Falkirk manager Ian McCall agreed with Sutton's assessment, pointing to age and injury affecting previously strong performers. He highlighted that players including Carter-Vickers, Tierney, McGregor and Forrest 'aren't quite what they were'. The Daily Mail reports that O'Neill said in September he would 'reflect' on his future, though he remained in the role.

Celtic remain four points clear at the top of the table but face Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday before hosting Kilmarnock on Sunday. With an international break following the Kilmarnock match, the Daily Mail suggests further scrutiny of O'Neill's position is likely.

How it is being reported

• O'Neill is running out of road...and the heat around him could rise extremely quicklyMoments after the tin lid was placed on a truly hideous week for Celtic with a home league defeat to Rangers, Martin O'Neill uttered some words which he later came to regret.Daily Mail Sport · 2 Nov, 20:06
• Are Celtic club in regression amid run of six defeats in 10?Chris Sutton and Ian McCall weigh in on Celtic after a second league defeat of the season, but manager Martin O'Neill is defiant.BBC News · 1 Nov, 17:34
• 'The club is in regression' - Sutton blames O'Neill for Celtic's recent demiseChris Sutton feels Martin O'Neill is to blame for the Celtic's recent poor form saying that 'the club is in regression'.Sky Sports · 1 Nov, 16:02
• 'This is on Martin' - Sutton blames O'Neill for Celtic struggles"It's a lottery waiting for the Celtic team. Who knows what team Martin is going to pick?"Sky Sports · 1 Nov, 15:37

In this story: Celtic · Martin O'Neill · Falkirk · Chris Sutton · Besiktas

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