It takes a special kind of blind faith to watch Celtic’s dismal 2-0 defeat to Dundee United and still confidently predict that this team is destined for Premiership glory.
Yet, that is exactly what Robbie Savage did hours after the loss at Tannadice, banking his entire title prediction on one simple, nostalgic concept: the “Martin O’Neill factor.”
It is a lovely sentiment from the outside looking in, but it completely ignores the grim reality staring the Celtic fanbase in the face every single weekend.
Celtic’s defeat to Dundee United wasn’t just a sudden, unexpected shock; it was the inevitable result of continued, broken performances – the champions are now third, five points behind Premiership leaders, Hearts.
Even during the fleeting moments this season when the Hoops have managed to grind out a victory, it has been glaringly obvious that O’Neill is desperately trying to cover up massive cracks in a severely flawed setup.
Should Martin O’Neill take some of the blame for the loss to Dundee United?
Robbie Savage backs Celtic to win Scottish Premiership title despite Dundee United loss
The undeniable truth is that the fundamental problems at Celtic lie far beyond the manager’s office.
While you would still absolutely back O’Neill’s sheer force of will to drag this disjointed team to a Scottish Cup victory, the league campaign has exposed a rotten core.
Quite frankly, both the players hiding on the pitch and the decision-makers in the boardroom have disgraced themselves this season, and no amount of managerial aura can magically fix that.
Then again, maybe that is just the glass-half-full view of a battered fanbase clinging to hope.
It could well be that Savage’s neutral, outside observation on BBC 606 is actually the most level-headed assessment of the situation.
Chris Sutton: “Is there any way that Celtic can still win the league?”
Savage: “I think they will win the league.”
Sutton: “Based on what?”
Savage: “The Martin O’Neill factor. I really do. I really do.”
O’Neill’s record at Celtic this season
O’Neill’s record this campaign has to be viewed through the chaotic lens of his arrivals.
When the Irishman first answered Dermot Desmond’s SOS call to replace Brendan Rodgers in October, he managed to steady a violently rocking ship.
But having to return to the dugout again mid-season – stepping into the absolute wreckage left behind by Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous 33-day tenure – was an entirely different magnitude of rescue mission.
O’Neill inherited a squad completely devoid of fitness, confidence, or tactical identity. While the Dundee United defeat was a bitter blow, his record since returning reflects a manager forced into constant damage control. He isn’t building a dynasty right now; he’s performing emergency surgery.
- Games managed: 26
- Wins: 19
- Draws: 3
- Losses: 4
- Goals scored: 57
- Goals conceded: 30
- Points Per Game: 2.31
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