By Ellie Macphee

Celtic eased some of the growing tension around Parkhead last night with a commanding 4–0 victory over Falkirk, a result that temporarily lifts the pressure on the club’s fractured leadership and unsettled squad.

Goals from Johnny Kenny, Benjamin Nygren, and Sebastian Tounekti capped a dominant display that saw Celtic finally look like the side their fans expect. The scoreboard told one story; the club’s atmosphere told another.

Johnny Kenny scoring the first of the evening {Getty Images}

Days after Brendan Rodgers’ abrupt resignation as manager of the club, Celtic legend Martin O’Neill returned to the dugout as acting manager, with Shaun Maloney as his assistant and Mark Fotheringham also joining the backroom staff. Tension at Celtic Park continued despite the optimism and nostalgia that accompanied their return. This only increased before kick-off as fans’ ire towards the board spilled into the stands. Stewards had to intervene after dissatisfaction with recruitment mistakes and club instability boiled over.

Despite the tension in the stands, Celtic were revitalised by O’Neill’s signature intensity, dominating the pitch with methodical movement and sharp pressing to produce a phenomenal performance and closed the gap on league leaders Hearts who dropped points in Paisley.

Martin O’Neill celebrating his sides dominating performance {Getty Images}

Whether tonight’s performance marks the start of the stable form Celtic needs remains uncertain. Rumours continue about potential long-term candidates, with names like Kieran McKenna, Robbie Keane and former manager Ange Postecoglou reportedly on the club’s radar. If results continue in this fashion, it will provide Celtic time to make sure the next man through the door is the one to turn the ship around.

For now, Celtic fans had cause for celebration, if only temporarily, as O’Neill’s return brought pride, intensity, and hope back to Parkhead with eyes now fully fixed on the derby on Sunday at Hampden.

Celtic Cruise Past Falkirk Amid Managerial Turmoil