Chris Sutton slams ‘rank rotten recruitment’ as Celtic stunned by Dundee
Celtic’s troubles continued as the Hoops continue to come in for criticism for their lacklustre displays on the pitch.
Hearts‘ lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table extended to five points after Celtic lost 2-0 at Dundee.
Brendan Rodgers’ decision to start Yang Hyun-Jun was criticised and Celtic fans continued to protest against the board.
Rodgers’ future at Celtic is uncertain and the manager will want to be backed in the January transfer window to rectify problems in his squad.
Chris Sutton ‘not surprised’ by Celtic defeat
Celtic’s recruitment in the summer transfer window was heavily criticised with the Hoops not strengthening their squad which had gotten to the Champions League knockout stages.
Chris Sutton, speaking to Sky Sports [19 October] believes Celtic are continuing to pay the price for such a poor window.
“It’s not a great surprise that Celtic have lost today. If you look at recent games, winning late against Kilmarnock and coming from behind against Motherwell. Papering over the cracks,” Sutton said.
“It’s rank rotten recruitment. But there are a lot of players – and it was good to hear Brendan Rodgers take a bit of responsibility – who are underperforming.
| Possession | 82% |
| Total Shots | 23 |
| Shots on Target | 3 |
| Big Chances | 4 |
“Celtic lack quality in the final third. It’s a problem. How’s it going to be resolved? They just don’t have the quality and that’s an issue.
“Celtic have massive problems. They have to get to January and still stay in touch. This is a bang average Celtic team and I think Brendan recognises that.”
Celtic could fall eight points behind in title race
That was Celtic’s first defeat of the season, and a first at Dens Park in 37 years, which already has the Hoops on the back foot in the title race.
A trip to Tynecastle next weekend means defeat at Hearts could put Celtic eight points behind their title challengers.
Hearts have won all but one game in the Scottish Premiership this season, which was when they came from three goals down to draw with Motherwell.
Defeat would prove that Celtic are in a title race, and that January will be a key moment in their season if they are to retain their crown.