It may have ended as another three points on the table, but Celtic’s victory over Dundee was anything but ordinary. Behind the scoreline lay a performance so commanding, so influential, that even one of the club’s most outspoken former players couldn’t stay quiet.
Chris Sutton has seen it all in green and white — title races, European nights, heroes rise and fall. But after Celtic’s latest win, Sutton was crystal clear: one player stood above the rest, and his performance was the driving force behind the victory.
And in Sutton’s words, it was simply outstanding.
From the First Whistle, He Took Control 👀
Celtic started fast, but it was the authority in the middle of the park that immediately set the tone. Every pass seemed deliberate. Every movement purposeful. Every decision calm.
Whenever Dundee attempted to press, they ran into the same problem — a Celtic captain who always seemed one step ahead. He slowed the game when needed, then suddenly accelerated it with a perfectly timed forward pass.
Dundee chased shadows.
Celtic dictated terms.
Dundee Tried Everything… Nothing Worked 😬
The visitors attempted to disrupt Celtic’s rhythm by closing down aggressively. That lasted about ten minutes.
Drop deeper? Celtic kept the ball moving.
Press high? Space appeared behind them.
Sit compact? The ball kept circulating until the opening arrived.
At the heart of it all was a midfielder constantly offering himself for the ball, organizing those around him, and ensuring Celtic never lost control.
This wasn’t just skill — it was leadership.
Sutton’s Verdict Was Immediate 🎙️
Speaking after the match, Chris Sutton didn’t hesitate.
“That performance was unbelievable. He ran the game from start to finish.”
For Sutton, what stood out most wasn’t just technical quality, but intelligence.
“He knows when to speed it up and when to slow it down. Dundee had no answer to him.”
Strong praise from a man not known for handing it out lightly.
The Moment That Defined the Match 😮
Midway through the second half, with Celtic already in control, came the moment that summed up the performance.
Under pressure near the centre circle, the Celtic star calmly took possession, turned away from danger, and sprayed a diagonal pass that split Dundee wide open. The move ended in a goal — and effectively ended the contest.
The crowd roared.
Dundee deflated.
Celtic surged.
Sutton later pointed to that exact moment as the turning point.
“That’s what top players do. They kill games.”
Fans React — And the Praise Pours In
Celtic supporters flooded social media with appreciation.
“Captain’s performance.” “That’s leadership.” “Best midfielder in the league — no debate.”
Even neutral fans acknowledged Dundee were beaten long before the final whistle.
The Name Sutton Made Sure to Highlight 👇
The player who earned Sutton’s glowing praise?
Callum McGregor.
The Celtic captain delivered a midfield masterclass — controlling tempo, organizing play, and ensuring his side never lost their grip on the match.
It was a reminder of why he remains the heartbeat of the team and one of the most influential players in Scottish football.
What This Means Going Forward 🚨
Performances like this set standards.
For Celtic, McGregor’s display sends a clear message to the rest of the league: this team is locked in. When their captain performs at this level, Celtic become incredibly difficult to stop.
For Dundee — and everyone else — it was a harsh lesson in control, experience, and quality.
Final Word
Not every great performance comes with headlines or highlight-reel goals. Some come with authority, calmness, and leadership.
Chris Sutton summed it up perfectly.
“He was outstanding.”
On a night Celtic needed direction and dominance, Callum McGregor delivered both — leading his side to victory and reminding everyone why he remains the standard-setter at Parkhead.
Because when the captain controls the game…
Celtic control the league. ⚽🔥🍀
