Celtic shot-stopper Joe Hart has recently found an ally in Chris Sutton amid ongoing criticism from many Celtic fans.
Hart has had his share of missteps in his last two games for the Hoops, with two significant mistakes marking his recent performances. He faced blame for Feyenoord’s opening goal, and a subsequent red card during the lead against Livingston.
Despite these errors, Hart executed big saves in both matches. However, the life of a goalkeeper often means mistakes overshadow the saves.
Sutton has been vocal in supporting Hart, arguing that the defence should have properly managed the ball during Saturday’s match. He emphasised Hart’s previously impeccable discipline record, highlighting his lack of red cards despite a career spanning almost 700 games.
In his column for the Daily Record, Sutton wrote:
“As for Livingston, I had a bit of sympathy for him. It was a ball over the top that wasn’t dealt with by his defence and the ball held up on the plastic pitch. Incredibly, it was Hart’s first sending off in a career with almost 700 games. I still think Hart is the best option for Celtic.
“Rodgers’s side is heading in to a crucial part of the season where the big games are coming thick and fast. Saturday is one of them, but they have Lazio and Atletico Madrid coming to Glasgow in the Champions League, tough Premiership trips to Tynecastle and Easter Road. The experience and ability of someone like Hart will be invaluable. In the long term it’s a position that will be addressed, as he’s not getting any younger. But I don’t think it’s something that Rodgers should be losing any sleep over right now.”
Sutton further expressed his reservations about the idea of regularly rotating goalkeepers, a strategy seemingly favored by Mikel Arteta. He stressed that most managers prefer having a dependable No. 1, only opting for a change when absolutely necessary.
“Mikel Arteta might like the idea of chopping and changing goalkeepers on a weekly basis – and he admitted he’s even thought about doing it during games. But most managers like to have a No.1 they can hang their hat on if they can help it and only switch if it’s really necessary.
“We’ve seen it plenty of times over the years. Keepers have been patiently preparing to pounce and as soon as the door is open they jump through it and stay in the team. I’m not so sure that what should – or will – happen with Celtic though.”
Celtic’s quest for a new goalkeeper may see them entering the market come January or the summer, but for now, the support of voices like Sutton may ease the pressure mounting on Joe Hart.
