KRIS BOYD’S SAVAGE ANALYSIS LEAVES SUTTON FUMING AS HE BRANDS CELTIC “EXPOSED” AFTER THEIR HUMILIATING 3-1 LOSS AGAINST ST. MIRREN
Kris Boyd delivered a blistering assessment of Celtic’s latest setback as the champions suffered a damaging 3–1 defeat to St Mirren, a result that sparked heated debate and left fellow pundit Chris Sutton visibly frustrated by the former Rangers striker’s conclusions. The loss, which unfolded in front of a stunned Celtic support, has intensified scrutiny on the team’s recent performances and raised uncomfortable questions about their tactical stability, mentality, and ability to respond under pressure.
Celtic arrived at the fixture expected to assert their dominance, particularly against a St Mirren side known more for organisation and discipline than attacking flair. Instead, what followed was a sobering afternoon for the Hoops, who were second best for large spells and were punished ruthlessly for defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion across the pitch. While the scoreline alone was enough to cause alarm, Boyd argued that the manner of the defeat was far more concerning than the result itself.
Speaking during post match analysis, Boyd did not hold back as he claimed Celtic had been “exposed” by a well drilled St Mirren team that played with confidence, clarity, and belief. According to Boyd, this was not an isolated off day but a performance that highlighted deeper structural problems. He pointed to Celtic’s vulnerability at the back, their inability to control midfield battles, and a front line that struggled to impose itself when the game began to slip away.
Boyd’s comments immediately drew a sharp reaction from Sutton, who pushed back strongly against the suggestion that Celtic’s issues were systemic. Sutton argued that while the defeat was unacceptable by Celtic’s standards, it should be viewed as a poor performance rather than evidence of a side in decline. He stressed that Celtic have shown quality and resilience over the course of the season and warned against drawing sweeping conclusions from one damaging afternoon.
However, Boyd remained unmoved, insisting that St Mirren had simply done what other teams are increasingly managing to achieve against Celtic. He highlighted how quickly Celtic were unsettled when pressed aggressively and how their defensive shape unravelled once St Mirren sensed weakness. In Boyd’s view, the warning signs have been present for weeks, with this result merely bringing them into sharper focus.
The match itself followed a pattern that Celtic fans will find particularly troubling. Despite enjoying spells of possession, they lacked urgency and precision in the final third. St Mirren, by contrast, were direct, purposeful, and clinical when chances arose. Their opening goal shifted the momentum decisively, exposing uncertainty in Celtic’s back line and energising the home crowd. As Celtic attempted to respond, gaps began to appear, allowing St Mirren to exploit space with confidence and conviction.
By the time the third goal went in, the contest was effectively decided. Celtic’s response was muted, and while they did manage to pull one goal back, it came too late to alter the narrative of the afternoon. Boyd was particularly critical of Celtic’s body language, suggesting that heads dropped too easily and that there was a lack of leadership on the pitch when things began to go wrong.
Sutton countered by pointing out that Celtic have previously bounced back strongly from setbacks and still possess a squad packed with quality and experience. He argued that criticism should be measured and constructive, rather than sensational, and warned that overreaction could undermine confidence at a crucial stage of the season. For Sutton, the focus should be on how Celtic respond in their next fixtures, rather than dwelling excessively on one damaging defeat.
Yet Boyd’s central argument continued to resonate. He maintained that champions are judged by their consistency and their ability to impose themselves regardless of circumstances. In his assessment, Celtic failed on both counts against St Mirren. He questioned whether tactical decisions left the team too open and whether certain players are struggling to adapt to their roles, particularly when faced with high intensity opposition.
The debate between Boyd and Sutton reflects a wider conversation among supporters and analysts alike. Some view the loss as a temporary setback that will serve as a wake up call, while others fear it may signal a period of vulnerability that rivals will be eager to exploit. What is undeniable is that the defeat has dented Celtic’s aura of invincibility and placed additional pressure on the team to deliver an immediate response.
As Celtic look ahead, the spotlight will remain firmly on their performances, team selection, and tactical approach. The reaction in the dressing room and on the training ground will be crucial in determining whether this loss becomes a turning point or merely a footnote in a long season. For now, Boyd’s “exposed” verdict has added fuel to an already intense debate, leaving Sutton and others eager to see Celtic prove their critics wrong on the pitch rather than in the studio.
