Since 1906! Celtic’s unbeaten streak under Rodgers sets a new historic benchmark

Brendan Rodgers's Celtic have stormed into a typically frenetic beginning that the club has been known for in recent times. A 2-0 win over Hearts saw them make it a fifth successive league victory without leaking a single goal. It was the best start to a season since 1906 for Celtic, with Rodgers being clearly the driving force behind this unbeaten run.

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The win against Hearts on return from the international break was further proof of this team's balance and consistency. Goals from two of Rodgers' recent signings, Arne Engels and Luke McCowan, sealed the result in a match that Celtic dominated from first minute to last. The Edinburgh side did attempt to pose some kind of threat with counterattacks, but Celtic's control was never really in doubt.

A shaky start, but total control

The game had a pretty rough start, with Hearts being physical and trying to make things as hard as possible for Celtic. Rodgers returned the praise, making adjustments with his team. "Hearts came out to make things hard, they worked really hard and were very physical, but we kept calm," he said post-match.

Celtic wasted at least a couple of gilt-edged opportunities to disturb the scoreboard during the first half of the match. Former Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon proved to be the vital cog for his team, as he seemed unbeatable at times, with some critical saves. Notwithstanding the inspiring performance between the posts by Gordon, Rodgers's side did not give up and continued to pound the Hearts' goal on a regular basis. And the opposition's backline was apt to crack up any time.

Arne Engels: cool as cucumber

Celtic's opening goal was from the penalty spot, coolly slotted in by Arne Engels six minutes after the break. A VAR check was needed to confirm James Penrice had handled inside the box, but Celtic showed no hesitation as Engels finished with aplomb. Rodgers saluted his player's poise in those critical moments when he said, "It was a very calm finish, and he showed great maturity in doing that."

Engels' performance encapsulated all that Rodgers demands from his players: an intense pressing game, tactical astuteness, and strong physical presence. The manager singled him out for being important throughout the game, both in attack and in defense, thus balancing the team to help Celtic manage the game.

Luke McCowan: every fan's dream

The first had been important as it secured the lead, but the second sealed the win and brought a moment of pure joy. With two minutes left, lifelong Celtic supporter Luke McCowan sealed the points in style with a brilliant shot inside the box to make it 2-0. Perfectly placed, Gordon got a hand to it but not enough to keep it out.

Rodgers spoke with a focus on the moment of McCowan, who scored an important goal in front of the Celtic fans: "It was a very special moment for him," the manager said, highlighting the emotion of a player who grew up supporting the club now scoring in such a crucial game.

Defensive solidity: the key to success

While the goals perhaps steal most of the headlines, the real feature of Celtic's start to the season has been their impregnable defense. The team has yet to concede in the league, a remarkable feature that reflects Rodgers' work in organizing the back line. Every player is involved in this solidity at the back, either by pressing the opposition or simply by closing down space.

Despite Hearts' attempts to fight back, Celtic's defence would hold firm. Rodgers has assembled a team that is as capable of defending with the best of them while dominating games to ensure his team does not concede and remains undefeated. Rodgers has been all too aware of the fact that a good backline forms the backbone of any championship-winning team thus ensuring that Celtic stay atop of its game.

A promising start to the season

After this fifth consecutive victory, Celtic stays at the top of the league table, with an ongoing perfect run without dropping any points and conceding any goals. Rodgers has been highly praised for his work; this team looks more compact and very well-equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead this season.

This perfect start not only lifted the fans' expectations but also installed Celtic as one of the favorites to win the title. The dominant league form that the team has taken on speaks volumes of a constructively built side, focused and full of players capable of delivering at important moments. The blend of young talent such as Engels and McCowan with experienced hands like goalkeeper Joe Hart worked out as the winning formula.