BBC pundit Chris Sutton has claimed that Celtic cannot afford to think they are already certain to win the league despite their strong position.
Going into the break for the 2022 World Cup, the Bhoys sit at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Not only that, but they do so with a nine-point lead over their closest rivals.
Indeed, a 2-1 win at home against Ross County at the weekend was enough to see Ange Postecoglou’s men end this stage of the season on a real high.
Despite this, however, Sutton has warned that neither the manager nor any of the players can afford to get complacent over the winter break as there is still work to be done.
While speaking on BBC Radio 5’s 606, co-host Robbie Savage asserted: “Celtic. Title’s over, Chris. Nine points, done.”
Sutton replied: “If you’re a Celtic player and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, [you] cannot think like that.”
He then said to a caller who agreed with Savage: “You’re saying the league’s over right now? That’s still a big call.”
Will Celtic win the league?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Celtic…
The Bhoys have been in fine form of late and go into the break having won their last eight league games on the bounce – a run that stretches all the way back to 1st October.
The same cannot be said about Old Firm rivals Rangers, who drew 1-1 with St Mirren at the weekend and also lost to St Johnstone the weekend before.
The teams’ differing fortunes have allowed this nine-point lead to emerge. With that in mind, it’s not hard to see why some feel as though the title race is already over.
Even so, there will be plenty of football to play when Celtic return to action, so it certainly would be unwise for Postecoglou and co to get too complacent. They’re certainly better off taking Sutton’s advice rather than listening too carefully to Savage on this occasion.