Sport nationChris Sutton Takes a Swipe at Rangers as Celtic Dominate Hearts
Chris Sutton has once again stirred the pot in Scottish football, taking a thinly veiled jab at Rangers while praising Celtic’s dominance following their 4-1 victory over Hearts. The result at Tynecastle on November 23 not only extended Celtic’s lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership but also highlighted the growing gulf between the two Old Firm rivals this season.
Taking to social media platform X after the match, Sutton celebrated Celtic’s emphatic performance, singling out Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kühn, and Adam Idah for praise. But it was his comment about Rangers that caught the most attention. Referring to Aberdeen, who sit second in the table despite a loss to St Mirren, Sutton quipped, “Three points clear of the real challengers Aberdeen… good point for Rangers in third.”
The remark, equal parts playful and provocative, reflects the current state of Scottish football, where Celtic appear to be in a league of their own, while Rangers struggle to keep pace under Philippe Clement.
Celtic’s Phenomenal Second Half
Celtic’s performance against Hearts was yet another demonstration of their attacking prowess. After a relatively subdued first half, Brendan Rodgers’ side exploded into life in the second. Kyogo Furuhashi opened the scoring with his trademark movement and clinical finishing, followed by a stunning strike from Nicolas Kühn. Substitute Adam Idah added two more goals, showcasing Celtic’s depth and quality in attack.
Sutton highlighted the importance of these performances in his post-match analysis, noting the significance of Idah’s brace:
“Two goals will do the world of good for Adam Idah,” Sutton wrote. “Phenomenal second half from Celtic. Kyogo’s movement is excellent, and Nicolas Kühn looks absolutely quality.”
Celtic’s ability to turn games around in the second half has been a hallmark of their success this season, and the match against Hearts was no exception. Rodgers’ tactical adjustments and effective use of substitutions ensured the Hoops left Tynecastle with all three points.
Rangers’ Struggles: A Season of Frustration
While Celtic soar at the top of the table, Rangers find themselves in a much different position. The Light Blues dropped points yet again, drawing 1-1 with Dundee United at Ibrox. The result leaves them 11 points behind their Glasgow rivals, a gap that looks increasingly insurmountable as the season progresses.
Sutton didn’t shy away from highlighting Rangers’ struggles, particularly in attack. Cyriel Dessers, brought in during the summer to lead the line, has failed to deliver. The Nigerian striker was ineffective against Dundee United, registering barely any meaningful involvement before being substituted at halftime.
Rangers’ inability to score consistently has been a recurring theme this season, and Sutton’s comments reflect the frustration of fans and pundits alike. Despite having Philippe Clement at the helm, the Gers have yet to find a formula that works, particularly in big matches.
Head-to-Head: Celtic vs. Rangers Under Clement
Since Philippe Clement took charge of Rangers, the club has faced Celtic five times in Old Firm derbies, losing four and drawing one. This poor record underscores the significant gap in quality between the two sides, a fact that Sutton was quick to point out.
“Considering the gap in quality between the two sides, it would be ignorant to go against Brendan Rodgers’ team,” Sutton remarked.
The upcoming Scottish League Cup final between the two rivals offers Rangers a chance at redemption, but based on current form, Celtic are clear favorites. Clement will need to deliver a tactical masterclass to turn the tide in what has been a one-sided rivalry this season.
Aberdeen: The “Real Challengers”?
Sutton’s comment about Aberdeen being Celtic’s “real challengers” adds another layer of intrigue to the Premiership narrative. While Aberdeen suffered a 2-1 defeat to St Mirren on the same day, they remain second in the table, ahead of Rangers. Their performances this season have been more consistent than those of the Light Blues, leading some to question whether the Dons could emerge as genuine title contenders.
That said, the gap between Celtic and the rest of the league remains significant. Aberdeen’s loss to St Mirren highlights their limitations, and while they may be more competitive than Rangers at the moment, it is clear that Celtic are operating on a different level.
Celtic’s Superiority: A Tactical and Personnel Edge
Celtic’s dominance this season is no accident. Under Brendan Rodgers, the team has been meticulously organized, with a clear tactical identity and a squad full of talented players. The likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Callum McGregor, and Nicolas Kühn have been instrumental in their success, while the emergence of players like Adam Idah and the resurgence of James Forrest add depth and variety to their attack.
Rodgers’ ability to make in-game adjustments and rotate his squad effectively has been another key factor. Against Hearts, his substitutions changed the dynamic of the game, turning a close contest into a comfortable victory. This tactical flexibility is something Rangers have struggled to match under Clement.
Rangers’ Inconsistencies: A Lack of Solutions
For Rangers, the season has been a tale of inconsistency. The team has struggled to find a reliable goal scorer, with Cyriel Dessers and other attacking players failing to deliver. Defensively, they have been prone to lapses in concentration, costing them crucial points in matches they should have won.
Clement’s tactics have also come under scrutiny. While the Belgian manager has tried to implement a more attacking style of play, the results have been mixed at best. The failure to win key matches, particularly against Celtic, has added to the pressure on Clement and his squad.
The League Title: Celtic’s to Lose
With an 11-point lead over Rangers and three points clear of Aberdeen, Celtic are firmly in control of the Premiership title race. Their ability to win matches convincingly, even when not at their best, sets them apart from their rivals. Sutton’s comment about Rangers being “third” behind Aberdeen reflects the current state of the league, where Celtic’s dominance seems unchallenged.
Looking Ahead: Key Fixtures and Challenges
The remainder of the season presents both opportunities and challenges for Celtic and Rangers. For Celtic, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and avoiding complacency. Upcoming matches in the Scottish Premiership and UEFA Champions League will test their squad depth and tactical versatility.
Rangers, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to salvage their season. The Scottish League Cup final against Celtic represents their best chance at silverware, but their league form must improve if they are to secure a top-two finish.
Chris Sutton’s Role as a Provocateur
Chris Sutton’s comments have once again sparked debate among fans and pundits. His critique of Rangers and praise for Celtic reflect his allegiances but also highlight the broader trends in Scottish football this season. Sutton’s ability to stir the pot ensures his voice remains a prominent one in discussions about the Old Firm and beyond.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Clubs
Celtic’s 4-1 victory over Hearts and Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Dundee United encapsulate the contrasting fortunes of the two Glasgow clubs this season. While Celtic continue to dominate domestically and impress in Europe, Rangers are mired in inconsistency and struggling to keep up.
As Chris Sutton aptly noted, the gap in quality between the two sides is undeniable. Whether Rangers can close that gap remains to be seen, but for now, Celtic are firmly in the driver’s seat in the race for Scottish football supremacy.
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