Former striker Chris Sutton expressed deep scepticism regarding Celtic's ability to retain the Scottish title, despite their narrow victory over St Mirren. Sutton described the performance in securing the win as 'staggering,' noting that St Mirren dominated possession and looked superior for periods of the second half at Celtic Park. This unconvincing display fuels doubts about the champions.

Celtic's season has been chaotic, featuring three managers and eight league defeats—more than Hearts and Rangers combined. Even in victory, they often rely on late interventions, such as needing a 97th-minute equaliser against Dundee in the Cup. Sutton believes the performances simply haven't been there for the reigning champions to sustain a challenge.

Sutton is convinced the title race is now strictly a two-horse affair between Hearts and Rangers, dismissing the idea that Celtic can win all five remaining post-split fixtures. Compounding matters, Celtic possess inferior goal difference margins compared to both rivals, sitting six behind Hearts and eleven behind Rangers. They also have not beaten either contender in the league this term.

Opposing teams clearly sense a lack of fear factor at Parkhead; St Mirren controlled the ball significantly after the break. Martin O'Neill faces a substantial task overcoming deficits without a clear focal point up front, a structural issue Sutton finds hard to overcome.