Sport
Chris Sutton reacts instantly on Sky Sports as Celtic fail to overtake Rangers
Chris Sutton admitted Celtic had an opportunity to capitalise on Rangers losing but failed to take it after their own defeat by Hearts.
The Sky Sports pundit reacted instantly on the broadcaster’s coverage of the 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle after the final whistle (3 March), pointing out Brendan Rodgers’ side have “a lot of work to do” as they stay second in the table.
The shock 2-1 loss at Ibrox to Motherwell meant Philippe Clement’s men had left the door open for their Old Firm rivals to go back top of the SPFL, but it wasn’t taken a day later.
Sutton said (2.02pm): “Absolutely, they had the opportunity today, didn’t take it. Big moments in the game, Celtic’s penalty miss, the Yang [Hyun-jun] sending off, and the Hearts penalty debate.
“Hearts getting it over the line, Celtic unable to stop Lawrence Shankland once again. Hearts making progress under Steven Naismith. Celtic, a lot of work to do still.”
Commentator Ian Crocker added: “Rangers shocked by Motherwell yesterday, Celtic stung by Hearts today. Rangers’ll be feeling a whole lot better about their weekend now, and Celtic will be feeling a whole lot worse.”
Celtic pass up opportunity after shock Rangers slip at Ibrox admits Chris Sutton
The Light Blues were well below par in losing at home to Stuart Kettlewell’s men, off the back of an excellent run of wins which had overturned a deficit in the title race to go two points clear.
They have been let off the hook by Celtic, and while the failure to sign Lawrence Shankland might have had a negative effect at Ibrox on Saturday the Scot did damage on the Gers’ behalf for Hearts on Sunday.
Clement will be desperate to impress on his players that they’ve got away with one this weekend and that they must ensure they don’t afford the Hoops a second chance.
The title race goes on with neither side able to fully seize the advantage despite suggestions that one or the other might have grasped the momentum entirely over the past few games.
A dominating 5-0 Rangers win over Hearts a week ago was followed by Celtic producing a comeback victory over Motherwell, yet each opposition bounced back the following weekend to defeat the other side of Glasgow.
