Chris Sutton’s reaction to Celtic’s 3-1 win over Rangers summed up the biggest difference between the two sides. Celtic responded when the pressure peaked. Rangers collapsed once the game turned against them.
Sutton said Celtic “save their best for the Derby game when it really counts” after the 3-1 win over Rangers. He was right.
Rangers started well and took the lead through Mikey Moore, but Celtic never looked rattled. Once Hyunjun Yang equalised, the momentum completely shifted.
Who was your Celtic MOTM vs Rangers?
Chris Sutton was right about Celtic and Rangers mentality difference
Sutton’s “rolled over” comment may sound harsh, but Rangers gave Celtic far too much control once the game became emotional and frantic.
Celtic looked sharper, calmer and far more aggressive when it mattered most. Rangers looked vulnerable in the second half every time the intensity increased.
This was not a one-off reaction either. Celtic have consistently recovered in difficult moments against Rangers this season while the Ibrox side have struggled to regain composure once games swing against them.
The result also confirmed Rangers will finish in third place trophyless again, while Celtic remain firmly alive in the race and now sit seven points ahead of their rivals.
Daizen Maeda completely destroyed Rangers in four second-half minutes
Daizen Maeda changed the entire match after half-time.
His first goal rewarded Celtic’s pressure, but his second completely broke Rangers. The Japanese forward produced a spectacular overhead kick that instantly killed the contest.
Rangers had no response after that moment. Celtic pressed harder, moved the ball quicker and looked physically stronger across the pitch.
That is why Sutton’s verdict landed so accurately. Celtic embraced the pressure of the Glasgow Derby once again. Rangers folded when the momentum turned against them.
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