Chris Sutton offered a measured response to Celtic’s 3–1 win over Aberdeen, using social media to reflect on both the result and the wider picture around Wilfried Nancy.
The former striker struck a calm tone at a moment when emotions around the club remain high.
The victory was Nancy’s first as Celtic manager, arriving in his fifth game in charge after four straight defeats.
It cut Hearts’ lead at the top of the table to six points, with Celtic still holding a game in hand. Relief was clear around Celtic Park, even if the performance again raised familiar questions.
Celtic dominated large spells of the match and created a steady stream of chances.
They eventually made that pressure count late on, but only after frustration had begun to build once more in the stands. It followed a pattern supporters have seen repeatedly this season.
That context shaped Sutton’s reaction. Rather than focusing only on the scoreline, he addressed the deeper issues that have followed Celtic through the opening phase of Nancy’s tenure.
His comments aimed to separate responsibility for results from the limits of the current squad.
Sutton’s words acknowledge criticism of Nancy without adding to the pile-on. He made clear that he does not back every decision the manager has taken.
At the same time, he pushed back against the idea that Nancy should shoulder all of the blame for Celtic’s struggles in front of goal.
The former Celtic striker pointed directly to missed chances as the key issue. That has been a recurring theme across recent games, including defeats where Celtic were well on top for long periods.
Against Aberdeen, that pattern appeared again before late goals finally settled the contest.
By stressing that finishing problems are “not on Wilf”, Sutton shifted attention toward the players and the squad they form.
His reference to quality was blunt but controlled. It reflected a view shared by many supporters who believe the current group lacks sharpness in key moments.
The timing of Sutton’s comments matters. This was not posted after another defeat, but after a win that could have been used to deflect criticism.
Instead, he chose to underline that one result does not erase deeper problems.
At the same time, the win does offer Nancy some breathing space. Getting off the mark removes a heavy weight, even if it does not solve everything at once.
The reaction at full-time suggested relief rather than celebration, which says plenty about the mood around the club.
Sutton’s balance mirrors how many fans are feeling. There is frustration with choices made by the manager, but also an understanding that structural issues go beyond him.
That mix of doubt and patience continues to define the debate.
For Nancy, the task now is to build on the result without ignoring the warnings.
Chances must continue to come, but they also need to be taken earlier and more cleanly. That is the difference between control and anxiety.
Celtic remain in the title race, even after a difficult run. With games still to be played and points to recover, the focus will quickly turn to consistency.
Wins like this help, but only if they become routine rather than relief acts.
They are failing to finish enough of them. Until that improves, the pressure around Nancy will never fully fade, no matter the scoreline.
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