Chris Sutton has had his say, as the former Celtic striker called out the overreaction in certain quarters to the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat, one that saw the Hoops lose only after extra time, a series of injuries to top players in key positions. and by the aid a refereeing performance designed to suit only one team – not to mention an own goal.
And as Celtic returned to the old routine with a thoroughly professional performance – to be the first team to win at Ross County since, well, the last time we won in Dingwall – the Celtic minded pundit was keen to point to Celtic’s incredible domestic record since losing to Livingston in September, as well as taking the time to drop his criticism levels of Ross County’s pitch after the Dingwall side posted a picture of their turf for Sutton to have a look at.
‘Much nonsense been written about Celtic this week after 1 defeat in 30+ games domestically! Big win away on an ok pitch.’
Much nonsense been written about Celtic this week after 1 defeat in 30+ games domestically! Big win away on an ok pitch🍀👏👏
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 24, 2022
READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic at Brigadoon
Chris Sutton is right to point to Celtic’s domestic record as it’s an example of the pressure Celtic have been playing under, and rising to, every week since three defeats in the opening six games left Celtic walking what the Celtic manager described as a tightrope. The Celtic team have been motoring through the opposition week in week out for the last seven months and one defeat in a cup semi-final, with a great deal of mitigating circumstances surrounding it, was never going to derail Celtic’s focus on the job at hand, namely bringing home the Scottish Premiership trophy.
Now Celtic have the opportunity to put some tired theories to bed and win the league at Celtic Park by taking care of business and defeating theRangers at Celtic Park next weekend.
It may be a nervous week for some but for Ange Postecoglou and his players it will simply be business as usual – as it has been for months now.
One other point to mention this morning. After last weekend’s extra time outcome at Hampden there has also emerged a creeping narrative that winning the Scottish Cup is on a par with the securing the league title. The fact of the matter, this season more than any other with that almost certain guaranteed Champions League spot, the gap in the significance between the two trophies has never been greater. It comes down to hard cash and if that money – estimated at up to £40m – is going to Celtic, who are six points clear this morning going into the last four games, rather than theRangers who had a six points lead going into 2022 – then that represents an £80m swing in fortunes in the favour of Celtic.
Niall J
Get it over with beat them next Sunday put it to bed 52 down and upwards Normal service resumed. HH