Three points off top, so why is Sutton ruling Celtic out?

ByNick McPheat

BBC Sport Scotland

"If Martin O'Neill is correct in his assumption Celtic need to win every remaining game to lift the title, I just don't think that is possible."

It is fair to say Chris Sutton remains unconvinced by his old side. In fact, the only thing he seems convinced of is Celtic cannot win the league this season.

Yet after a ninth victory in 13 Scottish Premiership matches - which kept O'Neill's men just three points off the summit with five games to play - why is the former striker so adamant?

From making St Mirren "look like Brazil" to a lack of legs in midfield, BBC Scotland dissects Sutton's reasons and examines the substance behind them.

Despite Saturday's narrow win over St Mirren - secured by a first-half goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - which brought Celtic back within touching distance of top two Hearts and Rangers, Sutton voiced serious concerns about his former club's performance levels.

The return of the fan group The Green Brigade lifted the atmosphere at Celtic Park, but groans could still be heard from the support after another underwhelming display against a St Mirren side fighting for Premiership survival.

"St Mirren looked like Brazil for a period of the second half at Celtic Park," Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"I've never seen anything like it. I know they didn't score and Celtic won the game, but they were nearly getting the oles out. They were playing round the midfield. It was staggering."

Celtic ended the contest with fewer touches in the opposition box than St Mirren, who enjoyed more possession in the second period.

The reigning champions managed an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.94 from seven shots, only three of which were inside the Paisley side's penalty area.

However, despite the hosts' unconvincing attacking display, St Mirren forced goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo into just one meaningful save throughout the 90 minutes, as Celtic recorded their first clean sheet in nine league games.

Although the Parkhead side remain firmly in the title hunt, you only have to look at their league position and column of defeats to see how much they have regressed this season.

Their tally of eight league losses is more than fourth-placed Motherwell and matches that of Hibernian in fifth. It is also more than Hearts (five) and Rangers (two) combined.

Amid a season that has featured three different managers in the dugout, fan unrest and a lengthy injury list, simply getting by has been the story of Celtic's chaotic campaign.

However, below-par performances have left fans and pundits such as Sutton seriously doubting whether their challenge is sustainable.

Even in victory, they have required late winners against Livingston, Kilmarnock and Dundee since O'Neill returned for a second stint as interim boss following Wilfried Nancy's dire tenure.

A 97th-minute equaliser was also needed before Celtic eventually overcame Dundee in extra time in the Scottish Cup quarter-final. A rematch against St Mirren at Hampden in the semi-final awaits on Sunday.

"The performances haven't been there," Sutton added. "I don't think there can be a switch flicked.

"I think it's impossible for Celtic to win all five post-split games. I think this is a two-horse race [between Hearts and Rangers]."

The counter-argument is it is difficult to see any of the top three winning all five of their post-split fixtures, such has been the unpredictable nature of this remarkable season.

The imperfections of all three teams have produced one of the most captivating Scottish title races in history. All three have now won on the same weekend on only two occasions this term.

Hearts continue to lead the way, showing real grit and character to fight back against Motherwell at Tynecastle on Saturday, as Rangers did a day later when they came from two goals down at Falkirk.

Celtic, however, have the most experienced manager in these title races, and a significant portion of their squad has also been there and done it before.

Sutton is right to highlight goal difference is slipping away from them, though. Hearts' is superior by six, while Rangers' is better by a sizeable 11.

Of course, that could prove immaterial if O'Neill's side manage to overhaul the points deficits on the league leaders and their city rivals, but it is certainly not making their task any easier.

Having failed to win 12 of their 33 Premiership matches this term, Sutton feels Celtic have also lost their fear factor. That may be evidenced by the way some opposition teams now approach games at Celtic Park.

St Mirren had 53% of the ball in the second half on Saturday, while Motherwell enjoyed almost 60% possession in the first period of their recent visit to Parkhead.

Sutton believes this stems from a lack of energy in midfield. Celtic went on to win both matches, but the concern is how such displays might translate against the top two, who both visit Parkhead after the split.

And, despite the home advantage, the former striker is not confident his old club can pick up the points they need in those crucial fixtures to climb the table.

"Celtic haven't beaten Rangers or Hearts in the league this season," Sutton said. "I watch them play every week. They are a hard watch.

"If they win the league it will be without a centre-forward. Everyone will drop points, but the fact Celtic are three behind Hearts means they don't have any room for error.

"I don't think Celtic's midfield has the thrust, dynamism or legs. That, allied with the centre-forward position, means I just think Martin O'Neill has too much to do - and the others are in a better place."