Rangers defeated rivals Celtic 1-0 away from home on Sunday to claim their second Old Firm victory in eight days and intensify the Scottish Premiership title race.
Ryan Naderi scored the decisive goal in the 31st minute as Rangers secured another important win over Celtic, who remain top of the table but now hold only a two-point advantage over their rivals.
The victory came a week after Rangers thrashed Celtic 3-0 in a League Cup tie at Ibrox.
Rangers manager, Derek McInnes, has now become the first manager since 1991 to win his opening two Old Firm encounters.
“We knew we’d have to overcome a wounded Celtic team. We played with a lot of confidence,” McInnes said.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t add to the goal we did score because we were deserving of that.”
Celtic, who had also suffered a 3-1 defeat to Ferencvaros in their Europa League opener on Thursday, struggled to respond after Rangers took the lead.
The hosts had threatened early on, with Austin Trusty’s volley ruled out for offside after Liam Scales strayed beyond the last defender in the build-up, while Kieran Tierney later struck the crossbar.
Rangers broke the deadlock when Kim Min-su’s effort from the edge of the box was parried by Viljami Sinisalo, allowing Naderi to follow up and tap the ball into an empty net.
Djeidi Gassama hit the post before half-time, while Rangers continued to dominate after the break despite being without their travelling supporters.
Olwethu Makhanya appeared to have doubled Rangers’ advantage with a stunning finish, but the goal was disallowed after the South African was adjudged to have handled the ball while controlling it.
Celtic were unable to find a response as Rangers comfortably protected their lead, leaving the home supporters frustrated at the final whistle.
Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill, admitted his side must take responsibility for the latest defeat.
“It’s time for a bit of self-reflection,” the 74-year-old said.
“There are always big questions when you lose football matches. You have to accept responsibility, which I do. Remember, this is the team, this is my team. I am responsible for that.”
