Rangers took a giant step towards ending a decade-long wait for the Scottish Premiership title after victory over 10-man Celtic moved them a staggering 19 points ahead of their rivals.
Steven Gerrard's side made it three derby wins on the spin thanks to Callum McGregor's own goal after Nir Bitton was sent off for the Hoops for a challenge on Alfredo Morelos.
It leaves Neil Lennon’s men, who still have three games in hand, with a mountain to climb in their quest for an historic 10th consecutive league title. Celtic had dominated until referee Bobby Madden showed Bitton a straight red card just after the hour but were denied by the outstanding Allan McGregor and later made to pay by the only goal of the game.
The victory maintained Rangers’ perfect home record in the league with 11 wins as Celtic suffered their first away domestic defeat in more than a year.
It was an emotional day at Ibrox as both sides paid tribute to the 66 Rangers fans who lost their lives on the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox Disaster.
Once the action got under way it was the visitors who started on the front foot and the pick of McGregor’s saves was a stunning fingertip save to touch a Leigh Griffiths shot onto the post.
But it was Rangers who grabbed a huge three points with the only goal of the game coming when James Tavernier’s corner was deflected in off Celtic skipper McGregor after Joe Aribo knocked it onto him.
Ordinary
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has labelled Rangers 'ordinary' despite his side losing 1-0 in the Old Firm derby.
Lennon is under pressure with his Celtic side struggling to live with the pace being set by Rangers.
The former Leicester midfielder believes Rangers were ordinary throughout the match at Ibrox.
He said: "Our goalkeeper had nothing to do today.
"We felt a goal was coming up until the red card which changed the course of the game.
"I believe Allan McGregor got man of the match so that sums up our performance today, we didn't have the luck.
"Rangers have had their luck over the piece, you get that here and there, but I'm not going to criticise the players for that performance.
"They were outstanding today and we made them look very ordinary today.
"We were by far superior and just needed the finishing touch really. We thought it would come the longer the game goes on, they would tire.
"They get a huge break with the goal and with the sending off."
Meanwhile, Rangers boss Gerrard also accepted his side were not good enough, especially in the first half.
He explained: "It's another big three points, it's another clean sheet and I'm really proud of the team.