Hearts biggest hurdle is the Celtic jersey

69 games undefeated in domestic football, setting a new Scottish record, but eventually, Things Fall Apart and Celtic lost 4-0 at Tynecastle.  It was Brendan Rodgers’ first defeat to a Scottish club, 18 months after taking over as manager.  Celtic were not even bad that day; when Hearts went three ahead shortly after halftime, the comeback was still a real possibility.  We didn’t make the most of our chances and everything they hit flew into the net.  There is always a danger, even against poor teams.

Whatever joy Hearts felt that day was sorely paid for since.  In the 21 subsequent games between the sides, Celtic won on 19 occasions.  The only two exceptions came when Celtic were in the middle of European qualifiers.  As a friend noted yesterday, Hearts players biggest hurdle is seeing the Celtic jersey.  They just cannot cope against imperious champions.

Curiously, elsewhere, people are looking at Celtic’s two visits to Edinburgh within the next eight days and seeing opportunity for themselves, hoping their Hour Come Round at Last.  You and I are well used to hearing at this time of year, the Second Coming is at hand.  Two wins for the good guys will fix that nonsense.