Chris Sutton fires message on Celtic duo after Rangers win: ‘Made such a difference’

Celtic beat Rangers 3-1 on Sunday in the latest edition of the Old Firm. The goals for The Hoops were scored by Yang Hyun-jun (23rd minute) and Daizen Maeda (53rd, 57th), while Mikey Moore scored for the visitors.

This victory gave the Bhoys more life, who are now just one point behind Hearts in Group A. Martin O’Neill’s team has 76 points, while the club leading has 77.

After the victory against Rangers, Chris Sutton specifically pointed out two standout players: midfielder Arne Engels and fullback Alistair Johnston.

Chris Sutton praises Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston

“Engels excelled today. Celtic has greater legs in the middle of the park when he plays. Alistair Johnston makes such a difference at right back,” Sutton wrote on X (Twitter) on Sunday.

He added, “Celtic have toiled all season in that position with him out like a man down. Deserved a yellow, not red, as many of the straw clutchers claimed.”

Engels excelled today. Celtic greater legs in the middle of the park when he plays. Alistair Johnston such a difference at right back. Celtic have toiled all season in that position with him out like a man down. Deserved a yellow not red as many of the straw clutchers claimed…🍀

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) May 10, 2026

Engels, 22, played the full 90 minutes and assisted Yang on Celtic’s first goal. According to FotMob, he created two dangerous chances and added nine defensive contributions.

For his part, Johnston, 27, played 81 minutes, recorded five passes into the final third, six defensive contributions, and won 3 of 4 ground duels. He received a yellow card after a late challenge on Moore.

Celts Are Here’s Michael Shearer agreed with Sutton’s opinion and added, “Once Engels started controlling the tempo in midfield and Johnston pushed Rangers backward down the flank, the game tilted heavily toward O’Neill’s side.”