Chris Sutton has raised serious concerns about Celtic’s chances of getting their hands back on the Premiership title.
The former striker believes last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Dundee United told its own story, pointing to a squad that simply does not have the level required to get the job done when it matters most.
Sutton said (RecordSport): “Celtic fans could be in for some long weeks of pain.
“Looking at the current situation, I don’t think Celtic are going to win this battle.
“It needs seven wins out of seven, or at least six and a draw.
“Does this Celtic side look to you as though they are capable of that?
“If you think they are, then you are watching a different set of players from the ones I have been seeing for months.”
That defeat at Tannadice has clearly left a mark, not just in the standings but in the wider belief around the team.
Celtic are now chasing rather than setting the pace, sitting five points behind Hearts, and the margin for error has completely disappeared.
Sutton did not hold back when breaking down what he saw from the performance.
He added: “It’s hard enough to imagine Celtic putting seven passes together on the evidence of last Sunday at Tannadice, never mind seven wins.
“The squad’s a mess.
“Players don’t look as though as they are connected as one unit and the overall standard is pretty miserable.
“Sure, there’s a Scottish Cup on the table and a trophy is a trophy, but you couldn’t put your hat on Celtic beating St Mirren in the semi-finals.
“Let’s face it, they couldn’t do it in the Premier Sports Cup final.”
There is a growing sense that this is no longer just about one poor result. It feels deeper than that.
The lack of cohesion, the drop in quality in key moments, and the inconsistency in the final third have all combined to leave Celtic looking vulnerable at the worst possible time in the season.
With seven matches remaining, the equation is simple but brutal. Celtic need near perfection and even that might not be enough if results elsewhere do not go their way.
Next up is a trip to Dundee, a game that suddenly carries massive weight. It is no longer just about picking up three points. It is about proving there is still life left in this title challenge.
Right now, though, the belief outside the club is fading fast.
