BRENDAN RODGERS tonight became aware of the remarkable record that was set by Willie Maley’s Celtic side which ran from 1915-17 and reached 62 domestic games undefeated.
Tonight Rodgers’ side reached 61 so have a chance to equal greatness at the weekend against Kilmarnock at Paradise, in front of the best fans in the world.
Rodgers had every reason rubbed satisfied after the hitherto undefeated – in the league – Aberdeen were swept aside as the Invincibles moved into top gear for the first time this season.
For those of us at Pittodrie it was a privilege to be there. For the wider support watching on BT Sport it was joyful viewing.
Yet Brendan insists there is more to come from his team of Invincibles.
“We should have scored more, but how we defended and pressed was a wonderful demonstration of football,” said Rodgers.
“Over the course of the time here, the 16 months, what I’ve been pleased about is the mentality of them in the big games.
“Every game is a big game, but when you come away to a place like this you’ve got to show you’re a big team and they did that this evening.
“I hear a lot about the ease at which Celtic do it. But you have to give credit to our players, they have the courage to go into position to accept the ball.
“That can drag a team about. When you play to that speed and quality it’s very hard sometimes to get there. If you have control and you can dominate you have chances to score. It wasn’t necessarily what Aberdeen didn’t do.”
“I wasn’t aware of that,” Brendan replied when asked about the Maley record that can be equalled on Saturday. “We’ve always focused on the next game.
“The only time this was mentioned was when the record was 26 and we could we beat it. Once we got over the line we focused on the next game. To have no complacency and to win.
“That’s what they’ve done. It’s an incredible credit to the players and staff for the mentality to work like that. We come back in the early hours from games and they want to work the next day.
“I give them a free day, but they come in. It tells you about the winning mentality and how hard they’re working.”
Celtic purred tonight in attack with more number 10s than you’ll see in the Strictly Come Dancing Final – Rogic, Armstrong, Calmac and Jamesy Forrest all excelling.
And Moussa is very much back to his best.
” Moussa was outstanding. He got his goals, he’s still working on his fitness. I’m at the stage where I look at him and Griff and whoever I play they’re ready.
“Griff has ran himself into the ground and been brilliant so it’s nice for him to have that rest. It’s important with so many big games you can put that player in and he contributes.”
In defence the Boyata, Bitton, Gordon triangle is looking the real deal and what more can you say about the world class Kieran Tierney?
“He’s an incredible talent with his determination and will and desire,” Brendan said. “He played a slightly different position.
“His finish, playing slightly higher up, was brilliant. Then his run and cross for the goal was sensational. He puts it on a plate for to finish.
“He’s a big talent, you should be proud and hopefully with Scotland he can play left-back and do more damage like he’s doing for Celtic.”
