Chris Sutton delivers a blunt assessment of Celtic.

Chris Sutton offered a straightforward and unfiltered assessment following Celtic F.C.’s victory at Dens Park, making it clear that the outcome was far more important than the overall performance as the title race continues to intensify.

The former striker did not attempt to gloss over the display. Instead, he focused on the bigger picture, recognising that at this stage of the season, securing three points outweighs any concerns about how convincingly they were achieved.

Celtic began the match in a manner that hinted they could take firm control. An early goal from Yang Hyun-jun handed them the advantage, setting the tone for what initially looked like a potentially comfortable afternoon. With that early breakthrough, there was an expectation that they might go on to dominate proceedings and extend their lead.

However, despite creating opportunities, their finishing once again proved to be an issue. The inability to convert chances allowed Dundee F.C. to remain firmly in the contest. Rather than putting the game beyond reach, Celtic’s wastefulness kept their opponents within touching distance.

5th April 2026; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; Benjamin Nygren of Celtic and Hyunjun Yang of Celtic celebrate with Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic after he shoots and scores in the 82nd minute to make it 2-1

Sutton has consistently highlighted this particular weakness in recent weeks. While he acknowledges that Celtic are capable of controlling spells within matches, he has repeatedly pointed out that failing to take chances leaves games hanging in the balance. This fixture was a clear example of that pattern repeating itself.

The turning point came when Dundee found an equaliser from the penalty spot. That moment shifted the dynamic of the match, introducing uncertainty into what had previously seemed a manageable situation for Celtic. Although they continued to see plenty of the ball, their play in the attacking third lacked sharpness.

As the game progressed, the tempo dipped noticeably. The urgency and cutting edge required to break down the opposition were not consistently present, leading to periods where Celtic appeared to be going through the motions rather than asserting full control.

This performance, in many ways, encapsulated the current state of the team. Sutton’s perspective reflects a broader truth about where Celtic find themselves. While there are elements of their play that can be criticised, the primary focus at this stage of the campaign is on results rather than style.

Earlier in the day, Heart of Midlothian F.C. had dropped points, presenting Celtic with an opportunity to strengthen their position in the title race. Sutton understands the significance of such moments, recognising that chances like these are rare in a tightly contested run-in and must be seized when they arise.

From that standpoint, Celtic did what was required. Regardless of the imperfections in their performance, they capitalised on the situation and collected a vital three points.

The decisive moment came through Kelechi Iheanacho, whose goal embodied the kind of efficiency that Sutton has previously called for. There was no unnecessary complexity involved—just a well-delivered cross into the box and a finish taken early and decisively.

That type of clinical approach is something Celtic have lacked at times throughout the season. On this occasion, however, they managed to produce it when it mattered most, and it ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Sutton has not shied away from questioning Celtic’s attacking edge in the past. His criticism has often centred on their inability to convert dominance into goals, a flaw that has cost them in certain matches. In this instance, while the issue was still evident, they showed just enough cutting edge to secure the win.

It is important to note that this result does not resolve all of the underlying concerns. The same problems remain, particularly when it comes to translating control of possession into a consistent goal threat. These are areas that will need to be addressed if Celtic are to maintain their push for the title.

Nevertheless, Sutton’s overall message is clear and pragmatic. At this stage of the season, performances can be analysed and dissected, but they are ultimately secondary to the points on the board. The ability to grind out results, even when not at their best, is what often defines successful title challenges.

In a tightly contested race, there is little room for perfection. What matters most is finding ways to win, regardless of how polished or convincing those victories may appear. Celtic managed to do exactly that at Dens Park.

6th October 2024; Victoria Park, Dingwall, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Ross County versus Celtic; Ex Celtic striker Chris Sutton on Sky Sports

While there will undoubtedly be further scrutiny of their performance levels, Sutton’s viewpoint emphasises the importance of perspective. The season is reaching a critical phase, and every point carries immense weight.

For Celtic, this was a reminder that success is not always about dominance or flair. Sometimes, it is simply about getting the job done. And in Sutton’s eyes, that is precisely what they achieved—even if the manner of the victory left plenty to discuss.