Chris Sutton proven right with Youssef Chermiti ‘enjoys’ claim as Rangers impact made vs Celtic
Chris Sutton praised Youssef Chermiti’s ability to raise his levels in big games moments before he helped Rangers take the lead against Celtic on Sunday.
Rangers made a brilliant start to Sunday’s Old Firm derby, with Danny Rohl‘s side taking a 1-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes.
Chermiti drove into the Celtic box and attempted to prod the ball into the far corner but saw his effort deflect off Liam Scales, with the ball then dropping for Mikey Moore to slam into the net from a couple of yards.
However, Celtic came roaring back and eventually found the equaliser on 23 minutes through Hyun-jun Yang.
It’s now 1-1 at half-time between the two bitter Glaswegian rivals, with Rangers hopeful of a big second half performance to keep their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive.
⚽Rangers match day ⚽
Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Rangers fixture.
What did Chris Sutton say about Youssef Chermiti?
Chermiti has enjoyed a strong debut season with Rangers, having arrived as a marquee signing in the summer window from Everton.
He has blown hot and cold at time this term, but the 21-year-old striker has led the Gers line well for the most part, and does have form in the big games.
| Chermiti’s HT stats vs Celtic | Result |
| Pass accuracy | 88% |
| Passes into final third | 1 |
| Shots on target | 0/2 |
| Touches in Celtic box | 6 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
It’s this ability to improve his game in the big matches that Sutton noted on Sky Sports commentary duties, and he predicted the Portuguese striker would make his mark minutes before the opening goal.
As quoted via BBC Sport, Sutton said of Chermiti: “It’s good from Mikey Moore, just slips it out right and Youssef Chermiti almost finds that far corner.
“He (Chermiti) enjoys these games.”
What is Chermiti’s record like in Rangers’ big games?
He won’t be able to take the assist for Moore’s goal against Celtic on Sunday due to the deflection off Scales, but Chermiti deserves so much credit for his excellent footwork that helped create the opportunity.
So, just how good has he been in the big matches for Gers during his debut season at Ibrox?
Well, he scored and got an assist in the recent 3-2 loss to Motherwell, bagged a brace against Celtic on 1 March and netted a hat-trick in the 4-2 victory over Hearts on 15 February respectively.
He also scored twice against Celtic at Parkhead back on 3 January, as well as netting in the 2-1 defeat at Tynecastle on 21 December last year.
Sutton is spot on, Chermiti does absolutely love these big games for Rangers, which is a brilliant trait to have as a centre-forward.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Rangers Insider Access
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.