As hopeless as Celtic were at Dundee United – and they really were – Martin O'Neill's robust rhetoric afterwards wasn't simply a show of defiance for its own sake.
He's adamant his side is still right in the race. With the home straight in sight, however, the Hoops are struggling to stay with the pace.
If it is to remain a three-way battle, O'Neill has been round the block enough times to know he simply can't afford to slip any further behind.
The next two games at Dundee and at home to St Mirren can be filed in the 'must-win' category. Should six points be gathered, O'Neill's bullishness could yet be well founded.
He wouldn't be one to throw in the towel at the best of times. The veteran manager, having lost league crowns in his first stint over 20 years ago by a single point in 2005 and a single goal in 2003, is acutely aware May madness will again decide the destination of Scottish football's top prize.
It's just that this season's mayhem, for the first time in decades, involves three teams.
As much as Tannadice could prove a sandy grave for Celtic's hopes if they don't improve markedly in response, O'Neill will know that if he can somehow stay within striking distance of the top two, they both have to come to Celtic Park in the final five fixtures.
Celtic are due to play three of their last five games at home. Leaders Hearts and second-place Rangers only have two on their own grounds, and three away.
With no clear 'form' team or runaway favourite, home advantage could be crucial when the tension ramps up further.
At the forefront of O'Neill's thoughts will be where to find the goals required to keep his side in contention. Kelechi Iheanacho, Daizen Maeda and Junior Adamu have all struggled.
Czech striker Tomas Cvancara has played 11 times since his loan move and netted only twice, although he has chipped in with a couple of important assists.
Given midfielder Benjamin Nygren is by a distance the club's top scorer and main goal threat, is there an argument to say he should be deployed as a false nine further forward?
The imminent return of Canada right-back Alastair Johnston will also come as a timely boost for the Celtic manager. Shoring up a defence that has shipped 34 Premiership goals, in a team that has already lost eight league games, is a key priority.
O'Neill has only lost two top-flight matches in his two interim spells. If he's to drag his side over the line, he knows losing another is no longer an option.
