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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

Chris Sutton revels in Celtic 'absolute mauling' but disputes fan's 'era of dominance' claim

Jubilant Chris Sutton revelled in Celtic's "absolute mauling" of Rangers after a derby day to remember for the Premiership champions.

Ange Postecoglou 's rampant side turned on the style again to smash four past their city rivals and open up a five-point gap at the league summit. Liel Abada struck a lethal double while Jota and David Turnbull also got in on the act against a shellshocked Ibrox side.

Three goals in a sizzling first-half display was a near carbon copy of a pivotal meeting between the sides back in February and Abada was again star of the show on Saturday afternoon. Club hero and Record Sport columnist Sutton also heaped praise on in-form winger Jota after he chipped home a delightful second past beleaguered Rangers keeper Jon McLaughlin. And he insists Rangers now have serious work to do to keep pace with Postecoglou's side in the race for the title.

Chris Sutton (BT Sport)

Sutton said on BT Sport Score: "Abada destroyed (Borna) Barisic in that 3-0 game - he destroyed him again today with a couple of goals. Jota, what a player he is.

"And then the Rangers goalkeeper was hopeless for the last goal and Turnbull put it in. It was an absolute mauling today and Rangers have work to do."

A message from a Celtic fan was then read out to Sutton, heralding the return of the club's "era of dominance". But as far the former striker is concerned, it never went away.

Abada wheels away after bagging the opener in the 4-0 derby day rout (Steve Welsh/PA Wire)

He replied: "I'm not sure about the Celtic fan saying the era of dominance is back - they've dominated the last 20 years on the whole. Celtic have been so far ahead of Rangers."

Next up for Postecoglou's side is a Champions League group stage opener at home to holders Real Madrid. And Sutton insists it'd be foolish to rule Celtic out when they're in this form.

"Real Madrid? Celtic could make it really uncomfortable for them. Everybody talks about 'Ange Postecoglou only has a Plan A'... but they don't half play it well.

"He takes risks. He has the inverted full-backs, a bit like Manchester City do. They were too sharp and quick for Rangers.

"What I like about his team is they will go for the jugular against Real Madrid. It has the makings of a great game - don't rule Celtic out!"

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