Celtic’s 69-game unbeaten run came to an end on the weekend as they were thumped 4-0 by a rampant Hearts at Tynecastle.
The manner of the defeat certainly raised eyebrows in football, with Brendan Rodgers’ side expected to go there and claim all three points.
Goals from Harry Cochrane, Kyle Lafferty and a brace from Manuel Milinkovic condemned the SPFL table-toppers to a defeat.
Celtic have scored in every single Scottish fixture they have played since Rodgers took charge of the SPFL side back in the summer of 2016 – this really sums up how rampant the Bhoys have been prior to this.
Brendan Rodgers’ side do remain two points ahead of Aberdeen at the top, with a game in hand.
And as the odds currently stand, you’d be a brave man to bet against Celtic claiming the SPFL title yet again.
As it stands Celtic are 1/8 with most bookmakers to seal the title this season, and it may be worth looking at the free betting offers with UK brands.
After the match, Rodgers spoke out about the defeatr and remained positive, saying to the Guardian: “I need to give credit to Hearts,”
“It’s a thoroughly deserved win; they were the better team. But I also want to congratulate my players. To have gone through 69 games and this to be their first defeat; of course it’s a sore one when you are beaten like that but they can hold their heads up. They have been absolutely amazing over those 18 months.”
The match showcased Celtic’s defensive deficiencies and Rodgers needs to consider moving for a new centre-half in the January transfer window.
Reading defender Liam Moore is a player that has been linked with a switch to Celtic Park in January, and Rodgers should undoubtedly launch a move for the 24-year-old.
The heart of defence is definitely a problem for Rodgers’ with Jozo Simunovic, Erik Sviatchenko and Dedryck Boyata all suffering from injuries and poor form.
Rodgers needs to add some fresh blood to the Celtic team and moving for Liam Moore would be a very wise move.
Moore has been a key figure for Jaap Stam’s Reading over the last two seasons, and is presence at the heart of defence was a major reason behind their play-off push last campaign.
At the age of just 24, Moore has the potential to grow and develop as a player and Celtic could be the perfect platform for him to exhibit his qualities and ability.
Moore recently spoke out about speculation linking him with Celtic, saying to the Reading Chronicle: “I just try and concentrate on my job. I’m just happy playing football.
“I always have in the back of my mind those times when I wasn’t getting any game time.
“That was only two years ago now, I’m lucky and thankful to be here doing what I’m doing and playing games.
“Speculation comes and so be it, it’s part of the job.”
Rodgers should not hold back, he needs to seal a deal for Moore – he can become a key figure at Celtic.