There wasn’t much, if anything, for Celtic to cheer about as Brendan Rodgers suffered his first league defeat since returning to the club at Kilmarnock on Sunday.
It was a sense of Deja vu because, just like in the League Cup in August, it was another defeat in East Ayrshire for the Bhoys.
That second-half showing just wasn’t acceptable as Celtic couldn’t handle the aggression and press of the home side.
But trying to look for some positives, Scott Brown did speak highly of how Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley worked well for Celtic’s opener, as he told Sky Sports Football (10/12/23 at 12:55 pm).
That’s probably the most frustrating part, it was such a great goal. Quick feet from the captain and razor-sharp reactions from Matt O’Riley.
In comparison to Perth last time out on the road, it was a case of exactly what the doctor ordered.
Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley
“Fantastic, this is what Cal does really well,” said Brown. “He sells three defenders. Right foot, then Matt is in the place where Matt does best.
“It’s on his right foot. He wants to score goals. He wants to get into the box. The timing and movement. He is anticipating anything that is coming out and it’s a great finish.”
All about Celtic’s reaction
The lead at the top is still five points, albeit Rangers have a game in hand, and the positives need to be looked at.
It’s all about how you react and Celtic can’t afford any slip-ups on the domestic stage anymore.
Yes, there is a Champions League game in between and that Feyenoord match is a case of fighting for pride and trying to end this barren winless run in Europe.
But with the next two games being at home, especially Hearts next Saturday, then nothing but three points will be expected in the league to get back on track again.
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