Chris Sutton has delivered a scathing assessment of Celtic’s derby performance, insisting Brendan Rodgers’ side should have “wiped the floor” with Rangers at Ibrox.
Speaking live on Sky Sports ahead of Celtic’s clash with Kilmarnock, Sutton pointed to Derek McInnes’ Hearts strolling to a 2-0 victory at Ibrox this weekend as evidence of just how weak Rangers are right now. The contrast, he argued, highlights how limp Celtic’s showing really was before the international break.
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“Honestly, off the back of Celtic’s performances in the Champions League, and then a limp display against Rangers. That’s what it was,” Sutton said. “You look at what Hearts did to Rangers yesterday. I think Rangers were there for the taking. I think Celtic teams in previous years would have wiped the floor with Rangers. They didn’t.”
Celtic’s 0-0 draw has already been remembered as one of the dullest derbies in recent memory, and Sutton believes that was no accident. Instead of taking advantage of Rangers’ fragility, the Hoops were predictable in possession and uninspired in their build-up.
It ties directly back to the summer transfer window. Rodgers has already made clear his frustration at the lack of quality added, while Callum McGregor also admitted the recruitment wasn’t good enough. The failure to refresh the squad has left Celtic lacking edge and invention when it matters most.
Rangers were vulnerable, Hearts showed it, but Celtic couldn’t. Sutton’s blunt analysis will resonate with supporters who saw their side stumble through 90 minutes instead of asserting dominance.
Unbeaten they may be, but Celtic’s performances haven’t matched the standards of champions. Unless January sees the squad properly strengthened, Sutton’s warning stands: the Hoops risk losing their ruthless streak at the worst possible time.
