Go compare: The SPFL stats that prove Ronny Deila has mastered the sum of all fears after taking over as Celtic manager

It certainly wouldn't go down well in Ronny Deila's household, where he will be playing host to his parents and twin daughters.

The defeat to Dundee United on Sunday still leaves a sour taste in the mouth of the Hoops boss.

The Norwegian has come to terms with the fact that, at Celtic, winning isn't just important - it is everything.

So when his side comes up short, Deila's disposition now changes markedly.

That was not always the case in the early months of his tenure as Celtic manager, his persistence in trying to explain how he could see the bigger picture striking him off a few of the Hoops' fans' Christmas card lists.

The most upsetting thing about Sunday's setback was that, not only did it bring to an end a run of 10 victories in domestic competitions - punctuated only by a draw and a defeat in the Europa League - it came about as the result of the kind of slipshod performance of which he believed he had rid his team.

Both in attack and in defence, they fell well below what is required.

But where did this 2-1 defeat leave the Hoops compared to where they stood at this point in his predecessor's first season?

For all the early hiccups under Deila, the answer is almost exactly the same.

Neil Lennon's first 17 games as permanent manager, in 2010-11, yielded 39 points. For Deila, it is only one fewer.

However, while Lennon's side were in second spot in the SPL, two points behind Rangers - who went on to become champions - Deila's Bhoys hold top spot with a four point lead over Dundee United and Aberdeen.

Lennon's second season saw them on 38 points at this stage, four behind Rangers before the dramatic overtake which saw the Hoops take the title while the Ibrox club imploded.

In the following campaign, the first without Rangers and with Celtic focusing more than ever on a good run in the Champions League, Celtic garnered only 34 points from their first 17 games, yet still led the table by four points, having played two matches fewer than the chasing pack.

Twelve months ago, Lennon's sights were trained fully on the title, and a blistering start saw them blow everyone away with 45 points from a possible 51 to shoot the Hoops nine points clear with a game in hand.

So, despite all the upheaval and transition which has marked Deila's arrival, the new manager has turned things around, as the stats confirm.

That might be some consolation to him as he picks over the bones of Sunday's defeat and begins to plan how he can round off 2014 with a victory over Ross County this weekend.

He will wish his players a merry Christmas as he allows them time off to celebrate with their families.

But he will remind them of his philosophy about being a 24-hour professional, even when they sit down to their dinner on Thursday.

Deila is confident this message is already well imbedded among his troops, with Leigh Griffiths one of those set to reap the benefits.

The striker has struggled to find the fitness and stamina to be part of Deila's plans.

But, Griffiths has not only shown a willingness to do what is required on the training pitch, he has also shown willing when it comes to going the extra mile - or 200 - to deliver on the pitch.

That even meant volunteering to head over the border on a freezing night last week to turn out alongside the Celtic kids.

His reward was a run out as a sub at Tannadice, an opportunity Griffiths grabbed with both hands as he scored the goal which sparked hopes of a late fight back, something he came close to sealing when he struck a post in injury time.

All of which has been duly noted by the manager who said: "It is important that Leigh gets games.

"He wanted to play in the Development Squad match at Sunderland last week, and that's the important thing.

"It's good that he shows an interest in playing.

"Leigh scored two goals in that match, and he has shown when he came on at Tannadice that he can make a difference to the team."

With John Guidetti stuck in something of a slump, Griffiths will be hoping he is handed a belated Chtristmas present in the form of a start against Ross County.

It would be a high note on which to end the year he joined the Hoops.

His transfer from Wolves at the end of January's window was a tough sell to many of the Parkhead fans.

Brief glimpses of his prowess in front of goal have been countered by more lurid headlines on the front pages, with some allegations travelling with him into 2015.

Deila remains focused on Griffiths the player, and is only too aware many recruits require at least a year to come to terms with what is demanded of them as a Celt.

"That could be the case," mused the manager.

"Leigh certainly looked sharp when he came on against United."

Another recruit from the January sales earlier this year was Stefan Johansen.

But, in contrast to Griffiths, the Norwegian midfielder has establishes himself as a mainstay of the club, and, in the past few months, one of the best players in the team.

That's no surprise to Deila, who did so much to hone Johansen's skills at Stromsgodset and believed he was ready to step to the next level with Celtic.

The 23 year-old has lived up to expectations.

But, having moved to Glasgow after a full season in Norway, the hard-running star is on course to play for 18 months with only a few weeks break last summer.

Johansen gifted possession to allow Dundee United to race away and open the scoring on Sunday.

But Deila does not believe his countryman is showing any signs of mental or physical fatigue.

"That was not his best game on Sunday," admitted the manager before adding: "But he has been very good in the last few weeks.

"He has been one of our best players, and I don't think his batteries are running low.

"But, we will give him the chance to re-charge them when we can."