Rodgers revels in chance to be history Bhoys
Kilmarnock in a league game at Celtic Park on Saturday.
“We should have scored more, but how we defended and pressed was a wonderful demonstration of football,” said Rodgers.
“Over the course of the time here, the 16 months, what I’ve been pleased about is the mentality of them in the big games.
“Every game is a big game, but when you come away to a place like this you’ve got to show you’re a big team and they did that this evening.
“I hear a lot about the ease at which Celtic do it. But you have to give credit to our players, they have the courage to go into position to accept the ball.
“That can drag a team about. When you play to that speed and quality it’s very hard sometimes to get there. If you have control and you can dominate you have chances to score. It wasn’t necessarily what Aberdeen didn’t do.”
Asked about the British record his Celtic side is poised to match this weekend, Rodgers said: “I wasn’t aware of that.
“We’ve always focused on the next game.
“The only time this was mentioned was when the record was 26 and we could we beat it. Once we got over the line we focused on the next game.
“To have no complacency and to win. That’s what they’ve done. It’s an incredible credit to the players and staff for the mentality to work like that.
“We come back in the early hours from games and they want to work the next day. I give them a free day, but they come in.
“It tells you about the winning mentality and how hard they’re working.”
Rodgers singled out Dembele, who has been troubled by niggling injuries since limping off in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final last season, for praise for his performance.
He said: “Moussa was outstanding. He got his goals, he’s still working on his fitness.
“I’m at the stage where I look at him and Griff [Leigh Griffiths] and whoever I play they’re ready.
“Griff has ran himself into the ground and been brilliant so it’s nice for him to have that rest. It’s important with so many big games you can put that player in and he contributes.”
Rodgers also predicted Kieran Tierney, who scored a stunning opening goal and then set up Dembele for the second, could be as influential for Scotland if he is given a run at left back.
“He’s an incredible talent with his determination and will and desire,” he said. “He played a slightly different position.
“His finish, playing slightly higher up, was brilliant. Then his run and cross for the goal was sensational. He puts it on a plate for to finish.
“He’s a big talent, you should be proud and hopefully with Scotland he can play left-back and do more damage like he’s doing for Celtic.”