Celtic's recent struggles for domestic form continued on Saturday afternoon, as they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Hearts.
Dominant in the league last season, Celtic have not been quite as imperious this year, and remain within reach of the chasing pack - including arch-rivals Rangers in second place.
The Bhoys have now lost two SPFL games in a row, having lost to Kilmarnock last weekend - and their performance in victory against St Johnstone earlier this month was far from impressive either.
Midweek, Celtic snatched a late victory against Feyenoord in the Champions League, their first home win in the competition in over a decade. Though they ultimately finished bottom of their group, it was hoped that that could be a spark to reignite their form at a turning point in the season.
But defeat to Hearts now means that Rangers can overtake them in the lead of the Premiership if they win their two games in hand. The lifeless manner of Celtic's defeat on home soil on Saturday particularly angered the Parkhead fanbase, with multiple reports of vitriol being flung towards the directors' box at the stadium.
After the game, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers spoke to BBC Sport Scotland - and one of his answers in particular spoke volumes about the depth of the rut Celtic find themselves in.
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Brendan Rodgers interview after defeat to Hearts spoke volumes about Celtic's form
Brendan Rodgers pulled no punches in going in on his squad's motivation levels in his post-match interview.
The Celtic manager - in his second spell in charge of the club - apologised to the club's fans for the performance, saying:
The performance today was nowhere near the level of what is expected as a Celtic player and a Celtic team. We lacked any desire in our defending, we lacked that drive and that intensity. I felt like we could have played all night and not scored.
That drive and determination...we suffered for that today.
It was his second answer in the interview, however, which particularly spoke volumes.
🗣️'I'm not surprised if I'm honest... We've not shown the necessary determination'
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says his side's defeat to Hearts doesn't surprise him ⤵️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/8H9h2t0Nem— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) December 16, 2023
Rodgers was asked if he was surprised by the level of his team's recent performances. The Northern Irishman's lengthy pause said it all, and he was frank in saying that the club are stuck in a problematic cycle of late:
Eh...not [surprised]. If I'm honest.
It's about consistency and mentality - I've seen it within the team from time to time. I'm surprised that, at home, we produced that level of performance, but not so when I see the St. Johnstone first-half, and then Kilmarnock away, and obviously today.
It disappoints me greatly - like I say, we have not shown the necessary determination. The passive nature of it, with and without the ball, was a concern.
Though they may still be league leaders, Celtic are now facing a crunch period of the season - largely thanks to their own poor performances in recent weeks.
Their next two Premiership games see them face Livingston and Dundee, before they host Rangers on December 30th in a crunch top-of-the-table clash.
If Celtic's recent form continues, there is every chance that game could ultimately be a shoot-out for top spot.
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