Celtic Fan View: 63 Not Out! Hoops make more history as unbeaten run continues

As Celtic travelled to St.Johnstone to chase down their own 100-year-old record, the stats of their 62-match unbeaten domestic run made for astonishing reading. 56 wins, seven draws, 179 goals scored, 35 conceded, 36 clean sheets, 15 wins by four or more goals, 21 different scorers and 10 academy players used. These numbers don’t just underline the extent of their dominance on home soil but also that they’ve accomplished it in some style.

Just 90 minutes stood between the Hoops and yet more history as they aimed to break Willey Maley’s side’s streak of going 63 domestic matches unbeaten. The class of 2017 would stand on their own if they avoided defeat, setting a British record. In keeping with the previous 62 matches the Bhoys not only achieved the record but they absolutely stormed towards it with a 4-0 victory at McDiarmid Park.

READ MORE: Tierney to Real Madrid over Man Utd or Arsenal? Sutton tips Celtic star for £30m move

READ MORE: Celtic Fan View: Bhoys show they belong at Europe’s elite level after performance against Bayern

Even for Brendan Rodgers- who doesn’t tend to dwell on too much on his achievements- this was something to savour. “I just said thank you to the players because for everyone – Celtic supporters and staff – it’s a really special day.” He went on to add: “It’s no mean feat in modern sport, in particular football, where players have had to face everything really. It’s a proud day for everyone involved at Celtic.”

After receiving some criticism for making too many changes in the 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock last weekend, Rodgers fielded the same XI that performed so well against Bayern Munich. Despite putting so much effort into the Champions League clash in midweek and the possibility of fatigue affecting the team, Rodgers’ men showed no signs of weakness. It’s this relentless hunger that characterises this side after all.

READ MORE: Scottish football news: Celtic break record, McInnes on Rangers link, Hearts desperate

READ MORE: Championship Review: Villa go fifth, Brentford streak continues

The attitude and determination to make the record their own was evident from the first whistle as the Hoops pinned the Saints back and constantly drove at the Blues’ defence. The second half was a fine demonstration of what this team is all about, however. Their fitness was superior, the pace of their play improved as the match went on and they ruthlessly took any hope away from the home side with three excellent team goals in 17 minutes deep into the match.

It was poignant that the invincibles turned on the style to add more gloss to the scoreline. The free flowing, one-touch football encapsulated their progression in the Rodgers era, the ability to dismantle teams in the blink of an eye with a spread of goals all over the pitch. This streak has given the supporters so much joy and this was another day where the fans weren’t let down.

This run deserves huge recognition even if some former professionals and pundits try to diminish the achievement by slating the “level” of the league. The Hoops can only beat what’s in front of them and they’ve done that with some authority. It’s 63 not out and as Scott Sinclair tweeted in the aftermath of the win, “It doesn’t stop here!”