Chris Sutton issues rallying cry after Celtic derby defeat and nails what was missing today

By John McGinley

April 17, 2022

Chris Sutton has provided his instant reaction to today’s disappointing Celtic defeat to Rangers.

The Bhoys are out of the Scottish Cup after a 2-1 scoreline in extra time.

It’s a deeply frustrating afternoon for many Celtic supporters and there will be all sorts of reactions to the loss.

Sutton has called for “one big final push” at the end of the season to ensure that Celtic come away with the Scottish Premiership title.

He also reckons the big thing missing today was Giorgos Giakoumakis.

The former striker said on Twitter: “Rangers the better team today and deserved to win. Celtic were poor today. Missed big George and his physicality to get the team up the pitch. The bigger picture is that Ange Postecoglou has done a great job this season and the team need one big final push to win the league.”

Sutton is spot on here. Not only did many people recognise that the team badly needed Giakoumakis’ physicality and nous, but Celtic can’t afford to wallow or feel sorry for themselves in the wake of this.

This season has seen the team make enormous progress under the manager.

That doesn’t absolve anyone from criticism for today. People have every right to have an opinion on today’s poor performance. It goes beyond the Greek striker being missing. The performance wasn’t good enough.

But everyone also needs to keep their head and ensure there’s no spiral now. Celtic need to bounce back quickly.

Next week’s match away to Ross County is now even bigger than it was before and we all need a reaction from the Bhoys.