Brendan Rodgers vs Walter Smith, unfortunately, isn’t a managerial battle we’ll ever see, but the Celtic manager got one over on the Rangers legend today.
Celtic smashed St Johnstone 5-0 at Celtic Park. But in doing so, they also smashed a Scottish football record that’s been standing for 25 years.
Heading into this afternoon’s match, Smith’s Rangers team of 1994 went 23 cup clashes without defeat and it was a record. Rodgers’ Bhoys, however, took their tally to 24 to become the new record holders.
It was hardly the priority going into the match. After all, just putting St Johnstone to the sword and staying on course for the treble-treble was the most important thing.
But the added gloss of overcoming a Smith record puts the icing on the cake.
Performance fully deserves the record
Celtic, on the day, put in a performance seriously deserving of the new record too. They totally bullied Saints around the pitch, once more thanks to imperious captain Scott Brown.
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The likes of Oli Burke came into his own with a dazzling display, whilst Scott Sinclair bagged yet another hat-trick.
Jonny Hayes looked a reliable enough left-back, whilst Jeremy Toljan continued to look impressive going forward from right-back.
Not to forget the fact that Scott Bain record a ridiculous 12th consecutive clean sheet in the Parkhead goal. The last person to net against him was former Partick Thistle forward Andre Mbuyi-Mutombo back in August.
Everything about today was incredible for the Celtic support. They continue their march with a seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.
Confidence is clearly returning to the players, and every new signing so far has gotten off to a flyer outside of Vakoun Issouf Bayo, who’s yet to have even played yet.
But today was all about Rodgers and his incredible tendency to break records in Scotland. And for this one to have previously been held by Smith?
Just makes it all the sweeter for each and every single one of us. And below, you can see Ally McCoist trying to wish Celtic good luck before achieving it.