Evidence suggests things are about to get much better for Celtic supporters

By John McGinley

April 18, 2022

If you’re feeling despondent today as a Celtic supporter, that’s only natural. I’m not here to criticise you for that.

Everyone responds to results like yesterday differently. Some are fuming at players, others at referees. There’s worry about what’s ahead from your more anxious fan and plenty of people who simply take it in their stride.

I’m not going to pretend the Hampden result didn’t sting me. If you follow the site and channel you’ll know how much I admire Ange Postecoglou and the team he’s built. It was a huge disappointment. They simply didn’t live up to what I think they are capable of.

Ultimately though you have to look at the bigger picture, consider the evidence of what’s occurred already this season and think about how the final five games will go.

There really is no logical reason to think yesterday’s result will push Celtic off course in the title race.

First of all, look at the domestic form prior to Sunday. Postecoglou’s Bhoys racked up an incredible 33-game unbeaten streak in domestic action. It’s the longest since the famous run Brendan Rodgers took the team on through the Invincibles season and beyond.

Secondly, this isn’t the first poor result that this Celtic team have had to bounce back from this season.

When the team lost to Bodo/Glimt they showed resilience to pick up a crucial win over Dundee. When Bayer Leverkusen thrashed us at Celtic Park, the Bhoys dug out a crucial result at Pittodrie. Even after the last time Rangers beat us we managed to bounce back against Ross County.

Blowing a six-point lead that includes a healthy goal difference advantage is not impossible, but it’s certainly not credible to expect it will happen. It’s extremely unlikely.

I’m not saying the team don’t have to focus, work hard and apply themselves. They can’t just turn up. I’m saying that they’re probably going to do what we need them to.

We’ve faced Ross County three times this season and won every fixture. The aggregate score across the three games is 8-1. Yes, we had to fight to the end of injury time in Dingwall last time but we’re undoubtedly heavy favourites. And for good reason.

The likelihood is that we’re all feeling much better this time next week. A win against Malky Mackay’s side would ensure there’s a big mood shift and have everyone buoyant again ahead of the final derby of the campaign.

It would ensure we’re at least six points ahead with just four games to play, three of which would be at home.

So, if you’re feeling bad today, try to take comfort in that. The title is ours to lose.

In other news, Celtic set for crucial SPFL vote on Tuesday; what Ange Postecoglou has said.