Rangers beaten by Celtic in Gerrard's first Old Firm derby

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard's first taste of the Old Firm derby proved a bitter one as Celtic emerged with a thoroughly deserved 1-0 victory at Parkhead on Sunday.

Resounding victory

Celtic secured the points in the 62nd minute when Olivier Ntcham slotted home after a sweeping counter-attack but the margin of victory could have been much wider. Shortly before that Ntcham had forced Rangers keeper Allan McGregor into one of several great saves as Celtic dominated. Celtic's James Forrest rocked the crossbar with a 30-metre effort in the first half while Mikael Lustig was also denied by the woodwork when he nodded against the post from a corner.

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Gerrard's first defeat

Rangers offered little in response as Gerrard's 12-match unbeaten run since taking charge was ended by a Celtic side managed by his former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. James Tavernier did have a rare sight of goal late on but skewed his shot wide after space opened up in front of him. Victory moved Celtic up to nine points, three behind leaders Hearts who have a 100 percent record from four matches played. Seventh-placed Rangers have five points.