Chris Sutton is not buying into the idea that Celtic are building anything convincing as the title run-in tightens.
The former striker was on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports on Saturday night as Martin O’Neill’s side beat Falkirk 3-1, but the performance did little to shift his view of where this race is heading.
He still has Celtic down as the third favourites.
When asked if Rangers have a better chance of winning the Premiership than Celtic, Sutton was blunt.
“Yes. Bearing in mind Celtic haven’t beaten them [in the league] and they’ve got to go to Celtic Park and it wouldn’t be a great surprise [if Rangers won]. Celtic are finding a way but I do not think that’s sustainable.
“I watch Celtic every week. Even on Saturday night against Falkirk, they just aren’t convincing.
“At this moment in time under Martin O’Neill they are finding a way but I don’t believe, and I’ve maintained this for a while, that Celtic can win these remaining four games. I really don’t believe it.
“I’m not sure Celtic will go to Hibs and get a result. They won there earlier this season but Hibs beat them at Parkhead and drew at Parkhead. Celtic haven’t beaten Hearts and Rangers [in the league] all season.” (BBC)
It is a strong stance, but not one that exists in a vacuum.
Celtic have not been dominant. That much is clear. Games have been tight, often scrappy, and decided by moments rather than control.
The same applies across the board.
Derek McInnes’ side edged past Hibs 2-1 on Sunday, but needed an 86th-minute winner and played against nine men for most of the second half.
Rangers, meanwhile, lost 3-2 at Ibrox to Motherwell in a game where the visitors were the better side for long spells.
There is no standout team in this run-in. At this point in the season, performances take a back seat. Results do not. Celtic have been getting over the line, and that is what keeps them in the fight.
Sutton does not see that continuing, but Celtic are far from out of it yet. Given how things looked at the turn of the year, to be in this position is a testament to O’Neill.
Next up is Hibs away on Sunday. It is another game that does not need to be pretty; it just needs to be won.
With four matches left, there is still enough room for this to swing in any direction. Celtic have not convinced, but neither has anyone else.
Now it comes down to nerve, resilience, and whether this group can grind through when it matters most.
