NafisaCeltic supporters were left stunned on Sunday afternoon after watching their side suffer a damaging 2-0 defeat away to Falkirk, in a result that could have enormous consequences for the Scottish Premiership title race.
Martin O’Neill’s men travelled to Falkirk knowing that another victory would strengthen their position at the top of the table, but instead delivered a performance that will leave plenty of questions hanging over the team.
The damage was done in the first half. Ethan Ross took advantage of a costly Cameron Carter-Vickers error to put Falkirk ahead inside three minutes, before Scott Tanser doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 38th minute.
Celtic were unable to find a response, and although they pushed for a way back into the contest, they ultimately left Falkirk without a single point.
However, the result has created an even bigger concern for the Celtic support, and it has everything to do with Rangers.
Rangers handed a massive opportunity in the title race
For much of the campaign, Celtic supporters had enjoyed watching their team build a healthy advantage over their Glasgow rivals.
At one stage, the Hoops were sitting seven to nine points ahead of Rangers, creating the impression that they had established a significant cushion in the early Premiership title race.
That advantage has now been dramatically reduced.
Before Sunday’s defeat, Celtic had 28 points from 11 league matches, while Rangers had collected 24 points from the same number of games.
Celtic’s defeat means they remain on 28 points, but Rangers now have an opportunity to move within touching distance of their rivals.
Derek McInnes’ side have a game in hand, and victory in that fixture would take them to 27 points.
That would leave Celtic just ONE POINT ahead of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
For a club that had previously enjoyed such a commanding advantage, the possibility of seeing that lead reduced to a single point represents a devastating development.
The pressure is suddenly shifting, and Celtic can no longer afford to keep dropping points while Rangers have an opportunity to close the gap.
Celtic have allowed Rangers back into the conversation
The most frustrating aspect for Celtic supporters is how quickly the situation has changed.
A team that appeared to have built a comfortable advantage is now facing the possibility of being dragged into a much tighter title battle.
The defeat to Falkirk is particularly damaging because it follows Celtic’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Dundee United, where they also failed to secure the victory.
Those dropped points have come at a time when Rangers have been steadily working their way back into contention under McInnes.
Rangers had already beaten Celtic 1-0 in the Old Firm clash at Celtic Park, with Ryan Naderi scoring the decisive goal.
That victory reduced the gap between the two clubs, and Sunday’s result has given the Ibrox side another opportunity to make significant progress.
If Rangers win their game in hand, the difference between the rivals will be just one point.
It would completely change the atmosphere surrounding the title race, particularly considering how far ahead Celtic had previously been.
Martin O’Neill now faces increasing pressure
The defeat also adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding O’Neill and his team’s performances.
Celtic have struggled to convince in recent weeks, with the Dundee United draw and the European defeats against Benfica and Celta Vigo already raising concerns among supporters.
Now they have suffered another domestic setback, this time against a Falkirk side that took full advantage of their defensive mistakes.
Carter-Vickers’ error allowed Ross to open the scoring almost immediately, while Tanser’s goal before half-time left Celtic facing an uphill battle.
The Hoops ultimately failed to find a way back into the match, and their inability to turn possession into goals will only intensify the questions about their attacking performances.
For O’Neill, the immediate priority will be finding a response before the situation becomes even more uncomfortable.
But the bigger concern for Celtic supporters is what could happen in the league table over the coming weeks.
They have watched a substantial advantage over Rangers disappear, and the Ibrox side now have a clear opportunity to reduce the difference to a single point.
Celtic are still top of the Scottish Premiership, but their position is looking considerably less comfortable than it did just a few weeks ago.
And if Rangers take full advantage of their game in hand, the title race could suddenly become a completely different contest.
Nafisa
