Celtic’s record undefeated run of 69 matches was ended in spectacular style by Hearts on Sunday, with Craig Levein’s side running out 4-0 winners at Tynecastle.
The scoring was opened in the first half by 16-year-old Harry Cochrane, who fired low into the net from the edge of the box before Kyle Lafferty added a second with an effort that went in off the post. After the interval, Celtic’s defence collapsed, allowing Manuel Milinkovic to strike before the Frenchman scored a fourth from the penalty spot.
Brendan Rodgers’ side had been undefeated in all domestic competitions since May 2016, a month before the Northern Irishman arrived in the hot seat. Since then, he has known almost nothing but success at Parkhead, with his side going unbeaten throughout last term, claiming both the League Cup and Scottish Cup to boot.
They had started this season in a similar fashion but had looked shaky in recent weeks, requiring a last-minute penalty to draw away against Motherwell, before Mikael Lustig’s late goal-line clearance salvaged a draw against Hibs in the capital last weekend.
The Hoops were not let off the hook by Hearts, though, who punished their inability to defend and looked sharper throughout the match.
Rodgers’ men are only two points clear of second-placed Aberdeen at the summit of the Premiership and will face the Dons next weekend.
However, by that time they could have a five-point gap to play with, as they host Partick Thistle in a rearranged fixture on Wednesday.
Celtic’s 69-match undefeated run is not just a Scottish record, but a best mark for any team in Britain in domestic football.