Wilfried Nancy got off to the worst possible start as Celtic were beaten by league leaders Hearts.
A win would’ve taken the Bhoys top of the table but they were second best on a wet afternoon at Celtic Park.
However goals from Claudio Braga and Oisin McEntee left the home side in disarray, and even a consolation goal from Kieran Tierney didn’t do anything to suggest a fight back.
The title is still very much up for grabs but in the mean time, here are five things that we picked out from the game.
Do you agree with this take after the Hearts loss?
Teething problems were always going to be an issue
When a new manager comes in with fresh ideas, adapting to those doesn’t come overnight.
Between his appointment and first game in charge, Nancy has had no more than two training sessions with the players on the pitch.
That isn’t a lot of time to implement your ideas and get people singing off the same hymn sheet.
There were signs of it working, but this will steadily improve as the weeks go by and Nancy finds the players that fit his system.
Remember Ange Postecoglou’s start?
There have been a lot of comparisons between Ange Postecoglou and Nancy over the weeks, and another theme has been developing.
Across social media and in the stands, some people are already writing off the Frenchman, which is exactly what they did with Postecoglou in his first few games.
By the end of that, he was loved and adored by all. Time will tell, but it is impossible to write someone off after game week one.
Martin O’Neill’s success papered over the cracks
The eight games under Martin O’Neill felt like a fever dream but, in reality, maybe they papered over the cracks.
Tensions between the fans and the board have been at an all-time high. Fans are rightfully sick of not seeing their side entertained and get the results that they need.
While O’Neill masterminded seven wins from eight, the return of a Hoops legend was always going to be a boost.
Hearts’ second goal – what was the defence doing? 😫
Oisin McEntee gave Hearts a 2-0 lead at Parkhead. Things aren't going well in Nancy's first game in charge…
Several players have underperformed this year and reverted to type the moment Nancy walked through the door.
The problems go far deeper than the manager and the players though. You only have to look at the fact that a high-ranking figure was spotted catching 40 winks in the crowd.
January transfer window will be massive
If Nancy is to persevere with the 3-4-3 formation, then Celtic will have to be busy in the transfer window.
None of the players in the side are natural wing-backs – a huge part of the Frenchman’s gameplan.
There is money in the bank at Celtic, so the chequebook needs to come out and give the new man what he needs.
Celtic are in a title race
Make no bones about it, Celtic are in a title race now. Even if they had got the three points, or recovered to get a draw, this Hearts side won’t go away.
Derek McInnes has got a tune out of them and they are clearly here to stay.
That’s two defeats against the Jambos already, and they will pick back up once again, but the Bhoys must realise that this fight will go on until the end of the season.
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