It couldn’t have started much better for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team as one of the manager’s selection calls, starting Aaron Ramsey, came to fruition within three minutes as the Welshman converted Ryan Kent’s cut-back to send the home side ahead.
The lead lasted just a few minutes though as Tom Rogic responded for Celtic and the visitors went into the half-time interval ahead through Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The strike proved to be the matchwinner with no further goals in the second half where Rangers pushed for their own equaliser but rarely tested Joe Hart.
With a six-point deficit van Bronckhorst conceded the title race was not over but ‘more difficult’.
Here is how his players rated on a significant afternoon in the cinch SPFL Premiership.
13. Fashion Sakala - 6
The Zambian international forward brought fresh impetus and energy in attack for Rangers when he replaced Ramsey for the final quarter of the contest. Sakala forced Joe Hart into his only meaningful save of the second half. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
14. Scott Arfield - 5
Replaced Jack in the double switch which also saw Sakala introduced but was unable to make any telling impression on the game as Celtic saw out victory. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group