Chris Sutton says a win for Celtic in last weekend's Scottish Cup final would have papered over the cracks, and that Brendan Rodgers' men losing the match was perhaps beneficial in the long run.
Although the holders went 1-0 up in the first half thanks to an Alfie Dorrington own goal, Aberdeen pegged them back late on as Kasper Schmeichel made an uncharacteristic error.
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Jimmy Thelin's side then won the match on penalties.
"I’m sure there are plenty of Celtic fans who were and still are distraught at losing to Aberdeen and seeing the treble going up in smoke," said Sutton [RecordSport].
"I can’t help but think the defeat was a good thing for the club in the long run.
"I mean that. If Kasper Schmeichel hadn’t made that uncharacteristic mistake, or if Daizen Maeda had stuck away that last chance, the entire story would have been different.
"Celtic would have completed the clean sweep, everything would have been sen as hunky dory. But it would have papered over some of the recent cracks.
"Listen, it’s still a phenomenal achievement winning the double. Regardless of what anyone thinks, it’s tough to win two out of three never mind the job lot.
"Celtic have made it look easy in recent years and they could well have done it again this time but for some big moments at Hampden last week.
"That doesn’t get away from the fact this is a team that is in real need of refreshing.
"They should be proud of their achievements this term. But the defeat to Aberdeen has made them feel a little uncomfortable and maybe now some have cottoned on to the fact there is work to be done."
