‘So fragile’: Celtic legend Chris Sutton pinpoints area that could cost club title

Follow us on Google Discover

Celtic got away with one at Hampden according to their former centre-forward

Chris Sutton has taken aim at Celtic’s “fragile” defence after the side’s nervy Scottish Cup Final win over Hampden.

Their side’s attacking threat was once again undermined by hapless defending, which resulted in Hearts coming back from two goals down and again levelling in extra time.

Conor Hazard’s penalty saves ensured Neil Lennon’s men were triumphant in the shootout, but it was an unconvincing performance from Celtic against Championship opposition.

Their eventual victory meant history was made in the form of a quadruple treble, but while Sutton believes that achievement should be cherished the former centre-forward says

Speaking in his Record Sport column, Sutton said: “In games like Sunday’s, all that matters is winning and being able to get over the line and Lennon and his players did that.

“That said, we saw so many worrying signs and defensively Celtic are so fragile but yet again they found a way of winning and that is huge.

“Is this Scottish Cup win the catalyst for something better for the second half of this season? That has to be the hope. Neil spoke after the game about the weight of expectation and the burden it is to carry but any Celtic fan watching that game won’t have been sitting there believing anything is going turn on this one result.

“There are massive problems defensively, that was shown as clear as day as they chucked away a two-goal lead once again on the big occasion. It’s happened so many times this season even I’m losing count.

“It all boils down to a serious lack of organisation and authority at the back and it’s something which has to be addressed.

“The same mistakes are being made and by the same players.”

Celtic currently trail Rangers by 16 points in the Premiership, having conceded nine more goals than their rivals despite having played three fewer games.

They return to league duty on Wednesday when they host Ross County at Celtic Park, who beat them 2-0 at the same venue in last month’s Betfred Cup second round tie.