Chris Sutton’s reaction to Celtic’s humbling 3-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox is a reflection of the tough reality check that the Hoops are now faced with, despite their commanding position at the top of the Premiership. Sutton, known for his candid assessments and no-nonsense approach, took to Twitter to offer an honest appraisal of the game, acknowledging Celtic’s shortcomings while praising Rangers for their superior performance.
In his tweet, Sutton admitted that Celtic were “as flat as anything” during the match and that Rangers “deserved it,” highlighting that they were better in every department. The loss, Celtic’s first league defeat of the season, serves as a stark reminder of the challenge Celtic faces in defending their title. Sutton also pointed out that the defeat should not be seen in isolation but rather as part of the process of maintaining high standards. “It’s a testament to Brendan Rodgers and the team the run they’ve been on and the standards set,” he noted. Sutton’s comment that “winning titles is hard” encapsulates the difficulty of staying at the top in any competition, particularly when setbacks like this occur. His suggestion that it’s “never a bad thing to get a reality check” reflects the understanding that defeats, while painful, are an opportunity to learn and grow, provided the team responds in the right way.
Despite Celtic’s commanding 11-point lead in the Premiership, the loss to Rangers highlights that there is still work to be done to retain the title. It was a stark reminder that no matter how dominant Celtic has been domestically this season, complacency can be dangerous, especially in such high-pressure games. This loss to Rangers will surely serve as a wake-up call for Brendan Rodgers and his squad, and Sutton’s words are likely to resonate with the manager as he prepares his players for the remainder of the season.
Celtic supporters, in general, seem divided in their reactions to the loss. While some have echoed Sutton’s sentiments and accepted that the team was not at their best on the day, others have expressed frustration at the manner of the defeat. The scale of the loss, particularly given Celtic’s dominance in the league up until that point, has left some fans feeling disheartened, as they hoped for a stronger performance in the derby. The defeat also comes at a time when Rangers, under new manager Philippe Clement, are showing signs of renewed fight and ambition, making the result even more disappointing for the Celtic faithful.
Brendan Rodgers will now be tasked with ensuring that this defeat does not derail the team’s confidence or their season. While Celtic’s league position remains strong, with an 11-point lead still intact, Rodgers will need to refocus his players, reminding them of the high standards that have carried them through this season. As Sutton rightly pointed out, it’s not the defeats but how a team responds to them that determines ultimate success. Celtic’s resilience and ability to bounce back quickly will be key as they look to prove that the loss to Rangers was simply a blip in what has otherwise been an exceptional campaign.
The team’s immediate focus will be on their next fixture against St Mirren in the Premiership, where they will look to restore their momentum and demonstrate that their league-leading form has not been significantly disrupted. Celtic’s supporters, too, will be eager to see their team recover and show the same determination and skill that has made them so dominant in Scotland in recent years.
Sutton’s words, while blunt, are rooted in truth. Winning titles is never easy, and Celtic’s journey this season will undoubtedly involve overcoming setbacks. How the team responds to this defeat will be a crucial part of their story as they seek to defend their league title and make their mark on the domestic scene once more. The lessons learned from the Ibrox loss may ultimately strengthen the team and provide the mental fortitude needed to achieve their long-term goals.