‘This is all on Martin’ — Sutton delivers a damning Celtic verdict after Falkirk defeat

Chris Sutton’s Celtic verdict after the 2-0 defeat at Falkirk put Martin O’Neill’s responsibility firmly under the spotlight.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Sutton said: “This is all on Martin.”

That is a hard sentence to hear about a man who means so much to this club. However, affection cannot settle the argument about what we are watching.

A 2-0 defeat at Falkirk demands answers.

Sutton’s Celtic verdict puts responsibility first

Sutton’s point was clear: O’Neill leads the coaching staff and carries responsibility for how Celtic prepare and play.

He also described the approach by saying: “It’s a bit off the cuff.”

For me, that is the more troubling criticism. Players need clear instructions, reliable partnerships and a structure they can trust when a game turns against them.

We have already examined Baur’s admission about Celtic’s midfield control. Those questions deserve practical answers from the dugout.

Where is the protection when we lose possession? Who closes the space? How do we stop opponents reaching our defence so easily?

These are basic demands.

Celtic’s chances cannot excuse the defending

Celtic’s official match report records goals from Ethan Ross after three minutes and Scott Tanser after 38. Carter-Vickers’ attempted clearance presented the opener; a through ball opened the defence for the second.

Scott Bain made excellent saves. Celtic created opportunities. Both deserve acknowledgement.

Yet neither explains away the goals we conceded.

I want Celtic to attack with purpose. I also expect a team capable of surviving an opponent’s attack without looking vulnerable to the next pass.

You cannot keep asking the forwards to repair damage at the other end.

O’Neill must show how Celtic improve

The wider questions about Celtic’s leadership remain. The board must answer for its decisions, and scrutiny of the manager gives the directors no exemption.

Equally, those boardroom failures cannot remove O’Neill’s responsibility for the football within his control.

I will always respect what Martin has given Celtic. That respect makes honest scrutiny necessary.

Supporters deserve to see what the manager is building: a recognisable approach, better organisation and players who understand their jobs.

Sutton has made his judgement.

O’Neill’s response must come through the team he sends onto the pitch.

Key takeaways

• Sutton placed responsibility for Celtic’s preparation and approach on O’Neill.
• Missed chances cannot excuse the defending behind Falkirk’s goals.
• The manager and board both face legitimate scrutiny.