It was a lacklustre display from the hosts but Rangers were on good form without needing to really hit top gear to take the spoils.
A goal in either half from the impressive former Brighton defender gave Steven Gerrard’s side the win, while Allan McGregor was hardly troubled in the visiting net save for a late panic when Leigh Griffiths got around him.
The match dictated who would finish the first quarter of the season top of the SPFL Premiership table, and although Celtic still have a game in hand Rangers are four points clear at the summit.
Moi Elyounoussi had a chance for Celtic shortly after Goldson had headed James Tavernier’s free-kick past Vasilis Barkas in the ninth minute. The goalkeeper was beaten again by Goldson from close range after Shane Duffy initially blocked the defender’s strike.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has warned his players they cannot continue to live off past glories, in his post-match analysis and admitted his side lacked a ‘spark’. Steven Gerrard also played it calm, insisting Rangers would not get ahead of themselves after such a comfortable victory at the home of their fierce rivals and current league champions.
You can follow how it happened, in real-time, via our liveblog recap here.
Here’s how Rangers rated.
Player ratings scale - 10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.
9. Brandon Barker - 5
The lesser seen Barker was perhaps a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up over Ianis Hagi. But he was rarely, if ever, given the chance to utilise his pace and was rarely seen in the first half before being replaced in the second half. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
10. Alfredo Morelos - 6
Still seeking that elusive goal but bustled and worked in a commendable performance for a player coming back from his 10,000 mile round trip on international duty. Didn't have many openings but didn't let his frustrations boil over too much - before being booked and hooked late on in yet another tussle with Shane Duffy - a duel to watch in the next meeting. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
11. Ryan Kent - 7
Brighter in the first half than he was the second, Celtic paid him particular attention as Rangers' danger man and blunted his incisive runs. But keep running he did and his energy contributed to the success - even if the goals came from a centre-half. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
12. Steven Gerrard - 9
Got it spot on to give one of the most Rangers-dominant victories in this fixture in recent memory. Luck maybe on his side to avoid his opposite number's selection woes but has built the strength in depth to cope with missing the likes of Roofe, Katic and Defoe and nothing fortunate about a well-deserved victory. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group