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Celtic’s 13% Warning Sign Exposes a Martin O’Neill Problem That Can’t Be Ignored

There is one Celtic statistic that should immediately grab Martin O’Neill’s attention before domestic football returns. Possession has

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 12:05 PM
Celtic’s 13% Warning Sign Exposes a Martin O’Neill Problem That Can’t Be Ignored
Key Things to Know
  • Phillip Cooney argues a 13-point drop in Celtic's possession highlights a tactical problem under manager Martin O'Neill.
  • Data reportedly shows Celtic's average possession has fallen from around 73 percent to 60 percent.
  • Celtic suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Celtic Park, managing only three shots to Rangers' 14.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Phillip Cooney argues that a 13 percent drop in Celtic's possession highlights growing tactical issues under manager Martin O'Neill. According to analysis from The Huddle Breakdown, the club's average possession has declined from roughly 73 percent to 60 percent, alongside an increase in conceded opportunities.

The writer notes that this tactical shift was highlighted by a recent 1-0 home defeat to Rangers, where Celtic managed only three shots. Cooney asserts that O'Neill must resolve these stylistic identity problems during the break before domestic football resumes.

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