Chris Sutton criticises Kasper Hogh performance after Celtic loss to Rangers

Chris Sutton has pinpointed Kasper Hogh's performance as a major flaw in Celtic's heavy defeat at Ibrox. The former Celtic striker said the £11 million signing probably had his worst game for the club in the 3-0 loss to Rangers on September 13.

Sutton, writing in his column for Record Sport, was direct in his assessment. "Hogh probably had his worst game for Celtic," he said. "A lot of one-touch stuff. I know Martin would have been cursing him for not getting hold of the ball." He argued the centre-forward was too loose in his hold-up play and showed a lack of courage when it mattered.

Hogh's need to develop

The criticism comes despite Celtic's strong position in the league, where they sit first with 18 points from six games and a five-point lead over their city rivals. Sutton acknowledged Hogh's potential and the big goals he scored in the Champions League last season. He stated the Danish striker should not be written off but must develop a greater variation in his play and contribute more to the team's overall build-up. The understanding between Hogh and fellow forward Benjamin Nygren has been evident, but Sutton believes more is required.

The Hassan conundrum

Sutton also turned his attention to the team selection made by manager Martin O'Neill for the derby. He argued that not starting Hosseim Hassan was the team's biggest mistake. "I think Celtic's biggest mistake was not starting Hassan," Sutton stated. "We saw in the first 40 seconds of the second half when he came on, he did more in the first 40 seconds than Sebastian Tounekti did in the whole of the first half."

He admitted that the winger does not track back consistently but offers significant value. Sutton said he likes the signing of Hassan and believes the player could be key in breaking down stubborn defences in tight games. This tactical debate sits alongside the ongoing question of how best to utilise Camilo Duran, the club's current top scorer with three goals this season.

The analysis extended to a broader view of Celtic's season. Sutton suggested the team has been something of a flat-track bully so far, convincingly beating weaker sides like Aberdeen and Dundee where their superior individual quality tells. He noted that playing Duran on the right flank works in those fixtures but implied the system was found wanting against the strongest opposition. The comprehensive nature of the Ibrox defeat, with goals from D. Neil and K. Kelsy, has thrown a spotlight on these issues.

Despite the setback, the league table shows Celtic remain in control of the title race. Their recent form reads four wins and one loss from the last five matches. The focus now shifts to regrouping ahead of the next Premiership fixture, an away trip to face Dundee United on December 30. United currently sit ninth in the standings. The team will need to address the concerns raised by Sutton if they are to maintain their healthy advantage at the summit.

Read the full report at Daily Record Football