Sutton on Celtic 3-1 Rangers Win – Celtic Park, 2026

Key Points

• Celtic defeated Rangers 3-1 in the Scottish Premiership at Celtic Park on 10 May 2026.
• Goals scored by Yang Hyun-Jun (23′), Daizen Maeda (53′, 57′) for Celtic.
• Chris Sutton, Celtic legend and pundit, praised the team’s performance and dismissed critics termed ‘straw clutchers’.
• Sutton highlighted superior midfield legs and individual excellence, particularly from Engels.
• The win keeps Celtic in contention in the title race amid a demanding schedule under interim manager Martin O’Neill.
• Sutton noted Celtic’s best performance of the season under pressure.

Celtic Park, (Glasgow Express) May 11, 2026.

What Led to Celtic’s Convincing Win Over Rangers?

Celtic took control early with Yang Hyun-Jun’s goal in the 23rd minute, followed by Daizen Maeda’s quickfire double in the 53rd and 57th minutes at Celtic Park. Rangers managed a response, but Celtic’s dominance in possession (50.9%) and shots on goal (4 compared to Rangers’ efforts) sealed the result.

As reported on ESPN UK, the match unfolded with key moments including shots in the 9th, 19th, 23rd, 39th, and 45th minutes for Celtic, and further action up to the 89th minute.

Celticnewsnow.com detailed the final scoreline and team news, confirming Celtic’s 3-1 triumph in front of their home crowd. The game, kicking off at 12:00 PM local time, showcased Celtic’s resilience in the Old Firm derby.

How Did Chris Sutton React to the Victory?

Chris Sutton, former Celtic striker turned pundit, immediately took to X (formerly Twitter) post-match. In his post, Sutton stated:

“Engels excelled today. Celtic greater legs in the middle of the park … straw clutchers claimed…”

He clamped down on doubters who had questioned Celtic’s form, referring to them as ‘straw clutchers’ – those desperately holding onto negative narratives despite the result.

As covered by Celticnewsnow.com, Sutton described this as Celtic producing

“their best performance of the season when the pressure was at its highest”

after the 3-1 win. His reaction echoed praise for specific players like Daizen Maeda, with Sutton giving an “incredible reaction” to Maeda’s wondergoal.

Who Are the ‘Straw Clutchers’ Sutton Targeted?

Sutton’s comment directly addressed critics who had previously doubted Celtic’s title credentials. Earlier in the season, Sutton himself had been cautious, backing Rangers to win the title in a BBC Monday Night Club appearance, saying:

“Yes, [Rangers have a better chance of winning]. Bearing in mind Celtic haven’t beaten them [in the league]… Celtic are finding a way, but I do not think that’s sustainable.”

However, post-victory, he shifted to highlight the win’s significance.

The term ‘straw clutchers’ appears to reference those clinging to prior skepticism, such as claims about Celtic’s midfield stamina or unconvincing performances against teams like Falkirk.

BBC Sport noted Sutton’s past skepticism, dissecting reasons like St Mirren making Celtic “look like Brazil” or midfield deficiencies.

What Role Did Martin O’Neill Play in the Victory?

Interim manager Martin O’Neill has been central to Celtic’s recent run. Chris Sutton previously highlighted O’Neill’s impact after a gritty Easter Road win against Hibs on 29 November 2025, tweeting:

“Martin O’Neill finding a way to win once again. Incredible job but he will know better than anyone this team is being stretched to their limit at present. Plenty of resilience and fight but more quality needed. Great week for Celtic winning three tough away fixtures .”

Celtsarehere.com reported Sutton’s praise for O’Neill’s steadiness amid injuries and a congested schedule. O’Neill’s post-match reactions in similar games, as per BBC Sport, included:

“It was an incredible game. We were terrific… Callum is an exceptional talent… It instills confidence, particularly when facing rivals like Rangers.”

He acknowledged Rangers’ determination:

“I previously expressed doubts about their strength, but today I witnessed a lot of determination and tenacity; they were formidable opponents.”

Why Does This Victory Matter in the Title Race?

The 3-1 result keeps the Premiership title race balanced, with Celtic showing momentum. ESPN noted Celtic’s strong record (24-4-8, 76 points) entering the match. Sutton’s earlier doubts on sustainability –

“I watch Celtic every week. Even on Saturday night against Falkirk, they just aren’t convincing”

– contrast with his post-derby praise.

Thecelticbhoys.com had covered Sutton’s pre-match honesty, but the win shifted the narrative. This derby success, amid O’Neill’s interim spell, provides clarity during a managerial transition.

How Did Key Players Perform?

Daizen Maeda’s brace drew specific acclaim, with Celticnewsnow.com noting Sutton’s “incredible reaction” to his wondergoal.

Midfielder Engels “excelled,” per Sutton, giving Celtic superior legs centrally. Goalkeeper Schmeichel made big saves in recent games, contributing to resilience.

Rangers showed fight but couldn’t match Celtic’s intensity, as O’Neill observed.

Background of the Development

Celtic’s 3-1 win over Rangers on 10 May 2026 stems from a season of transition, with Martin O’Neill as interim manager following managerial changes. The Old Firm derby has long defined Scottish football, with Celtic (24-4-8 record pre-match) vying for the Premiership title.

Chris Sutton, a Celtic legend with over 200 appearances, frequently pundits on BBC and provides post-match analysis on X, often sparking debate with candid views.

This fixture at Celtic Park drew significant attention, building on prior clashes where Celtic struggled in league meetings but showed grit under O’Neill’s recent away wins. Sutton’s ‘straw clutchers’ remark references ongoing punditry skepticism about Celtic’s squad depth and form amid injuries.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Celtic Fans

This victory can boost Celtic fans’ confidence heading into the season’s final stages, reinforcing belief in the squad’s derby-winning capability despite earlier doubts. It may heighten title aspirations, providing momentum that sustains morale through remaining fixtures, while Sutton’s endorsement counters negativity, potentially unifying the support base. For fans, the result underscores resilience under pressure, influencing attendance and engagement as the Premiership concludes.