The dream is now surely done and dusted for Celtic. On Saturday, they came into their clash with Rangers in the Old Firm simply having to win.
However, after a moment of madness from Nir Bitton and then an own goal from Callum McGregor, their game plan was undone.
Neil Lennon’s team ultimately lost and as a result, they are 19 points off the Gers. With that, they can surely wave farewell to any hopes of winning a tenth successive SPFL crown.
It was a performance that was completely out of character with the mood Lennon had set in recent weeks. After a horrific run of form where they won just twice in 12 outings, they had won six on the bounce.
Unfortunately, frailties returned on Saturday and they lost the most meaningful game of their season to date. A big reason behind Celtic’s rejuvenation over the last month has been David Turnbull and Ismaila Soro.
It spoke volumes, therefore, that when Soro wasn’t at his best, the Hoops were defeated.
Described as a player with “explosive power”, he showed signs of that in the first half. Though, in the second period, he was given the run around and consequently tired late on. He wasn’t given much help though considering he was the only central midfielder at the base of the XI.
Soro won just three of 17 ground duels he contested and to compile his misery, he was dribbled past on a mighty seven occasions.
The Ivorian was still secure with the ball at his feet – completing 83% of his passes – but he lacked the bite that a certain Scott Brown may have added to the party.
Soro didn’t necessarily have an awful game but this type of performance will have alarm bells ringing for Lennon. If this continues, it will become a problem.
The Bhoys will have to hope that he rediscovers his form and doesn’t become an inconsistent figure. After all, they have seen enough of that from Brown this season.
This cannot afford to be another issue that escalates for Lennon.