Why Chris Sutton Thinks Celtic Can't Win the Scottish Premiership Despite Title Chase
Chris Sutton isn’t buying Celtic’s title credentials—even with just three points separating them from league leaders Hearts. Despite a recent win over St Mirren and Martin O’Neill back in charge, the former Celtic striker believes the team lacks the midfield energy and attacking threat needed to win all five remaining post-split games.
Sutton’s skepticism isn’t just hot air. He points to real issues: poor second-half performances, lack of dominance at home, and an inability to beat either Hearts or Rangers this season. Even in victory, Celtic have looked shaky—scraping by with late goals and recording their first clean sheet in nine league matches against a team fighting relegation.
The Numbers Behind the Doubt
Celtic’s stats tell a concerning story. In their win over St Mirren, they managed only 0.94 expected goals (xG) from seven shots—just three inside the box. Worse, they had fewer touches in the opposition penalty area than St Mirren, who held 53% possession in the second half. That’s not how title contenders usually play.
Their defensive record hasn’t helped either. Eight league losses already this season—that’s more than both Hearts (5) and Rangers (2) combined. And while goal difference might not decide everything, Celtic trail Hearts by six and Rangers by 11, making any dropped points potentially fatal.
Key performance trends raising red flags:
- No wins against top-two sides Hearts or Rangers in league play
- Only one clean sheet in their last nine Premiership matches
- Consistently out-possessed in key home games (e.g., Motherwell held 60% in first half)
- Reliance on stoppage-time winners against mid-table teams
- Missing a reliable starting centre-forward all season
Midfield Fatigue and Tactical Drift
Sutton zeroes in on Celtic’s midfield as the core problem. “They don’t have the thrust, dynamism or legs,” he said. That lack of engine room intensity shows up in how opponents now approach Parkhead—not with fear, but with confidence.
Teams like St Mirren and Motherwell aren’t just sitting deep; they’re controlling tempo, circulating the ball through Celtic’s lines, and exposing gaps between defense and attack. Against Hearts and Rangers—who both visit Celtic Park after the split—those vulnerabilities could be ruthlessly punished.
Martin O’Neill’s return has stabilized results, but not performances. His interim leadership has delivered narrow wins, yet the underlying issues remain unaddressed. With no proven striker and a midfield running on fumes, the squad lacks the firepower to dominate when it matters most.
The Title Race Reality Check
It’s true that none of the top three look unbeatable. Hearts needed a gritty comeback against Motherwell. Rangers trailed 2-0 at Falkirk before turning it around. This Scottish Premiership season has been wildly unpredictable—only twice have all three title contenders won on the same weekend.
But Sutton argues Celtic’s flaws are structural, not situational. “I don’t think there can be a switch flicked,” he insists. Unlike Hearts’ resilience or Rangers’ depth, Celtic’s problems—no elite striker, aging midfield, inconsistent defending—are baked into their current setup.
Even if they win their remaining fixtures, the margin for error is zero. One slip, and the title slips away. And given their recent form against quality opposition, that slip feels more likely than not.
Key Takeaways
- Celtic are three points off top but lack convincing performances—wins have been narrow and often late.
- Midfield energy deficit is a recurring issue, allowing even mid-table sides to dominate possession at Parkhead.
- No wins vs. Hearts or Rangers this season undermines their credibility as serious title threats.
- Goal difference lags significantly, meaning Celtic must win every game while hoping rivals drop points.
- Sutton’s critique focuses on sustainability, not just results—he doubts the squad has the physical or tactical tools to finish strong.
While Celtic still mathematically contend, Sutton’s concerns reflect a deeper truth: looking like champions requires more than just points. It demands dominance, consistency, and intimidation—qualities this version of Celtic hasn’t shown consistently in 2025–26.
— Editorial Team
