Chris Sutton has hit out at Odsonne Edouard and questioned whether who would still want him after an abysmal display at Ibrox this afternoon.
Edouard was often second-best in any aerial duels that came his way. However, he would also miss a late penalty whilst spurning another superb second-half opportunity in the second 45. Added to that, he once again failed to release the ball quickly enough in key counter-attacking moves and generally disappointed.
His poor performance was one of the key reasons Celtic were bundled out of the Scottish Cup in such a weak fashion. Had he managed to take even one of his chances, the game could’ve been so much different.
And Sutton has called him out after a season of disappointment hit rock-bottom this afternoon. Speaking on Premier Sports 1 [18/04, 17:07], Sutton said: “Earlier on this season I gave him the benefit of the doubt. There were question marks whether he wanted to be here this season and he stayed. Certainly it’s about big players turning up in the big games.
“In previous seasons Rangers feared him. It didn’t look like Connor Goldson was feared of him. Him and Helander – they had the better of him. And for his own career, where’s he going to move to now? His form has certainly taken a dip and there will be question marks now if scouts are watching him and clubs are looking at him.
“They’ll be thinking ‘well, do we really want him?’, and we’ve touched on his attitude.”
Chris Sutton spot on; Odsonne Edouard has been a colossal disappointment and there’s no hiding it
So often in the past we’ve protected Edouard from criticism. He’s been our top striker for so long and has provided so many good moments for the football club. But he’s anything but a world-beater these days.
Edouard has had a poor campaign in Glasgow as he gets set to enter the final year of his contract. In what we’re all made to believe will be his last season at Celtic, he’s flattered to deceive despite consistently being selected ahead of everyone else.
But let’s get it right. Today, his body language stunk the place out. Whenever things weren’t coming off for him or a pass wasn’t played straight to him, he was throwing the huff. Acting as though he was the best player on the pitch without ever actually showing it.
The casual nature in which he spurned our two best chances of the game was also unforgivable. This was an extremely disappointing afternoon for the Celtic supporters where Edouard is concerned. This was his opportunity to give something back to the supporters. To the fans who have given him so much and have protected him from external criticism.
He’ll get his move – don’t worry about that. He’ll undoubtedly have suitors waiting in the wings to bag him at a bargain value. Today’s result won’t affect that – granted it may affect his valuation ever so slightly.
But Sutton is spot on to call Edouard out. We all looked to him to step up today – he did anything but.
In other news, Gordon Strachan couldn’t believe what we watched today.
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