Chris Sutton was critical of Joe Hart and Matt O’Riley for the role they played in Celtic conceding from yet another corner during the 3-1 win over St Johnstone on Sunday.
Whilst Matt O’Riley was able to redeem himself with a stunner in the second-half, those question marks are still above Joe Hart’s head.
Against Motherwell last time out, Brendan Rodgers and Celtic felt that the three points were in the bag after a turgid and struggling performance.
But Joe Hart failed to deal with a corner and he was at it again against St Johnstone.
Chris Sutton made it clear that the 75-cap England star should have been ‘stronger’ off his line and how he ‘isn’t decisive enough’, as he told Sky Sports Football (03/12/23 12:40 pm).
But it wasn’t just Celtic’s experienced number one in the firing line from Chris Sutton, he also couldn’t understand Matt O’Riley’s actions, before he made amends later on in the game.
Yes, he isn’t a defensive player, but it was his failed clearance that resulted in the ball remaining in the danger zone and, in the end, being bundled home by Diallang Jaiyesimi.
Another error from Joe Hart
“It’s around Joe Hart, the ball was whipped in and O’Riley doesn’t deal with it,” said Sutton.
“I think it’s a perfectly good goal. There is nothing wrong with it. He isn’t decisive enough, Joe Hart. He is asking for a foul, but there is nothing there. O’Riley tries to clear it, but kicks the ball against Jaiyesimi. Joe Hart has to be stronger there, I really do. O’Riley should deal with that, he swings with his leg, but goes with his head.
“Joe Hart is really unhappy about the goal being awarded, but I don’t think he has any complaints. It’s a tactic, we see a lot of teams using that against Celtic. Surrounding the goalkeeper. He doesn’t like to collect things, Joe Hart.”
Another goalkeeper is needed in January
The issue for Hart is that he has been questioned well before the game against St Johnstone – including in the Champions League.
John Hartson recently stated that, with Celtic out of Europe, he wouldn’t look for a new goalkeeper in January because you can trust Hart for the rest of the campaign.
But these errors can’t keep rearing their ugly head, or else, it will really prove to be costly.
This isn’t a case of taking the number one gloves off Hart now, but at the very least, looking and bringing someone in during the January transfer window.
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