Celtic’s position in the title race is built on recovery, not dominance. The key detail is not where they are now, but how they got there.
The dropped points earlier in the season created the illusion of a title race. What has followed since is starting to expose that reality.
That earlier run of defeats opened the door for Hearts and Rangers, but as Scott Brown makes clear, it is also the only reason they have been able to stay in the conversation.
Which result suits Celtic best when Hearts play Rangers?
Celtic created the title race, not their rivals
Scott Brown believes Celtic will win the title, and his reasoning is direct. “Celtic, I think now especially, Celtic I think the biggest result at the weekend there.
“Obviously Motherwell’s [win at Rangers] is huge. Hearts still keep digging in. Derek does actually keep digging. I actually really like Derek. Got so much time for him. He’s actually a really good lad and he’s done it all season.
“The thing is if Martin’s still there the whole time, Celtic are probably not losing the five or six games that Nancy lost and the league’s done.
“But now that period gave everybody a chance to get back into the title race and Derek’s jumped on the chance and kept winning games.”
The key point is not the praise for Celtic, it is the admission of why the race exists at all. That earlier run of dropped points created the opening.
Celtic losing five or six games earlier in the season is not framed as a collapse. It is framed as the only reason the title is still being discussed.
Motherwell result signalled the reset in control
The biggest shift comes from what happened at the weekend. Brown labels it the biggest result at the weekend, and that carries weight.
The Motherwell win at Rangers was huge because it changed the direction of the title narrative. It removed doubt rather than just adding points.
Momentum had been questioned during that earlier run. This was the result that answered it.
The title race has not disappeared, but its foundation has been exposed. It was built on a short spell of inconsistency, and that spell has now passed.
Celtic did not take control easily, but they have taken it back. That is why many fans and Scott Brown firmly believe Celtic will become champions this month.
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