Celtic have been dealt a body blow by Dundee United at Tannadice.
It’s an eighth league defeat of the season for the Hoops, whose title hopes are now in a seriously precarious position with so little of the season remaining.
And it was all that they deserved, too. Martin O’Neill was as animated as he has been in either of his interim spells this season as Celtic’s second half laboured on.
Here are five things we learned… aside from the obvious fact that the league now looks a long shot.
Your INSTANT REACTION to that loss 😡
Is the title race over?
As bereft as Celtic have looked going forward
It’s no secret that scoring goals hasn’t been Celtic’s biggest strength this season – especially away from home.
But even creating chances seemed too big an ask today, as the Hoops looked utterly listless in possession. As bereft of creativity as Celtic have looked.
What on earth was that pitch?
Scottish football isn’t known for every pitch being a bowling green, but today’s pitch was easily one of the worst we’ve seen Celtic play on in recent memory.
READ MORE: Martin O’Neill addresses Iheanacho call and Cvancara absence for Celtic vs Dundee Utd
Covered by 50% grass, the rest of the field of play was an extremely dry, hard, bumpy surface. O’Neill will be relieved to have left without a serious injury.
Benjamin Arthur a positive
Many expected Auston Trusty to return to O’Neill’s starting XI, but the decision to back Benjamin Arthur was justified by the defender’s performance.
If he is to remain in that right centre-back slot for the rest of the season, the Englishman could end up looking like a wise loan signing in the winter window.
Big call to start Kelechi Iheanacho vs Dundee United?
What does that say for Tomas Cvancara? Let us know in the comments!
Donovan struggles force unorthodox right-backs
Colby Donovan didn’t put in his most memorable performance since breaking into the first team fold at Celtic, leaving his manager visibly frustrated.
The result? Instead of Anthony Ralston, Reo Hatate and Yang Hyun-Jun ended up spending time at right-back. Strange stuff.
Another twist in an unpredictable season
Many felt that Celtic’s home defeat to Hibs was the last major blip that the Hoops could afford – they’ve made their task even bigger with today’s result and performance.
It leaves O’Neill’s side in third, five points behind league leaders Hearts with seven games remaining.
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