Chris Sutton Makes Worrying Celtic Claim Despite Win Over Livingston

Chris Sutton has made a worrying Celtic claim despite their win against Livingston to go three points closer to Hearts.

Celtic may have walked away with all three points against Livingston, but the performance itself has sparked debate — and former Hoops striker Chris Sutton was among those raising concerns despite the positive result.

The Scottish champions did what champions often have to do: find a way to win when not at their best. However, Sutton believes that Celtic’s display highlighted familiar issues that could become costly as the season progresses, particularly with demanding fixtures still to come.

A Result That Papers Over Cracks?

On the surface, Celtic’s victory over Livingston looked like another routine step towards domestic success. The Hoops dominated possession, controlled territory for long spells, and limited their opponents’ attacking opportunities. Yet, according to Sutton, the match followed a pattern that has become increasingly noticeable.

Celtic were patient but lacked sharpness. They moved the ball well in midfield but struggled to translate that control into sustained pressure inside the final third. For Sutton, that is a worrying trend — especially for a team expected to dominate games at home and against lower-table opposition.

“It’s the kind of win you take,” Sutton has often suggested in similar situations, “but it’s not the kind of performance that fills you with confidence.”

Creativity and Cutting Edge Still a Concern

One of Sutton’s key talking points following the Livingston match was Celtic’s attacking output. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, clear-cut chances were limited, and the final ball too often went astray.

The former Celtic striker highlighted the lack of urgency at times, suggesting that Celtic allowed Livingston to remain in the game longer than necessary. Against more clinical sides, Sutton believes those missed opportunities could prove decisive.

Celtic’s wide players showed flashes of quality, but Sutton felt the overall attacking rhythm lacked fluidity. The movement in and around the penalty area did not consistently stretch Livingston’s defensive shape, making it easier for the visitors to sit deep and frustrate.

Midfield Control Without Penetration

While Celtic’s midfield largely controlled the tempo, Sutton questioned whether that dominance was fully effective. Passing accuracy was high, but progressive play was sometimes slow, allowing Livingston to reset defensively.

For Sutton, this points to a broader issue: Celtic often look comfortable rather than ruthless. The balance between control and aggression remains delicate, and on this occasion, he felt the team leaned too heavily towards safety.

That approach may be understandable during congested periods of the season, but Sutton warned it can also create complacency — something Celtic cannot afford in a title race where margins are thin.

Defensive Stability, But No Room for Relaxation

Defensively, Celtic were rarely troubled, and Sutton acknowledged the organisation at the back. However, he also noted that a lack of pressure on the ball higher up the pitch could expose the defence against stronger opponents.

Livingston did not have the quality to fully capitalise, but Sutton believes teams with more pace and precision would pose a greater threat if Celtic maintain the same intensity levels.

“It only takes one lapse,” Sutton has said in the past, “and suddenly a comfortable afternoon becomes very uncomfortable.”

Brendan Rodgers Under the Spotlight

Although results remain strong, Sutton’s comments inevitably place focus on Brendan Rodgers. The Celtic manager has consistently emphasised long-term development, squad rotation, and managing physical demands across competitions.

Sutton respects that approach but suggested that performances must begin to match expectations more consistently. At Celtic, winning alone is rarely enough — fans expect authority, confidence, and a clear identity.

Rodgers has previously spoken about building momentum through results, and the Livingston win certainly contributes to that. Still, Sutton’s concerns highlight the pressure to deliver more convincing displays as the season moves into its decisive stages.

Fans React: Relief Mixed With Frustration

Among Celtic supporters, reaction to the Livingston match has been mixed. Many fans are satisfied with grinding out wins during a busy schedule, pointing out that title-winning teams often collect points without playing at their best.

Others, however, echoed Sutton’s concerns. Social media discussion after the match focused on creativity, tempo, and whether Celtic are currently operating at the level required to dominate both domestically and in Europe.

There is also growing debate about squad selection and whether certain combinations are limiting Celtic’s attacking fluency.

Looking Ahead: Warning or Overreaction?

While Sutton’s analysis may sound alarmist to some, it serves as a reminder of the standards expected at Celtic Park. The Hoops remain well placed, and victories like the one over Livingston can prove crucial in the long run.

However, Sutton’s “worrying” claim is less about panic and more about potential. Celtic have the quality to be more assertive, more creative, and more decisive — and Sutton believes those improvements are necessary sooner rather than later.

As the fixtures continue to come thick and fast, Celtic will have opportunities to silence critics with more dominant performances. Until then, wins like this may continue to bring both relief and lingering questions.

For now, the points are safely in the bag. But if Sutton’s analysis is anything to go by, Celtic know they will need more than results alone to convince everyone they are truly firing on all cylinders.