Glasgow Rangers comprehensively outplayed Celtic from start to finish in the first Old Firm derby of the season on Saturday afternoon, meaning Steven Gerrard’s side have recorded back-to-back away wins against their arch-rivals for the first time since 1997.

Last year, Nikola Katic struck the winner in the 2-1 win over Neil Lennon’s league leaders, the first time Rangers had won at Celtic Park since 2010. Two goals from Gers defender Connor Goldson secured the victory this time, whilst the 54-time Scottish champions kept a clean sheet, as Celtic did not manage a single shot on target.

Before we get too carried away with ourselves, Gers fans will be well aware that their team have been here before, but this time it just feels a little different. The result could’ve been very different indeed if things hadn’t gone their way last time around, as Allan McGregor saved a penalty from Ryan Christie, before Steven Davis was forced to make a couple of last-ditched clearances off the line.

This time, Gerrard’s side weren’t willing to leave anything to chance. Whilst Celtic will complain that they weren’t at their full strength, that doesn’t excuse the fact that they failed to take a shot on goal. And Gerrard praised Goldson for his display at both ends of the pitch.

He said: “I’m shocked but he is certainly capable, and he is starting to attack set-pieces and is hungry to score. I thought his all-round performance was outstanding.

“It was Nikola Katic who was the hero here last year, but Connor deserves the headlines that he is going to get.”

SofaScore gave the 27-year-old a grade of 9.1, which is fairly accurate – he won 80% of his duels overall, made 8 clearances, blocked 2 shots and completed 2 interceptions, whilst he scored two goals and made two shots on target, which shows that he has added an attacking dimension to his game as well.

By comparison, the Croatia international received a lower statistical score of 7.3 for the Old Firm clash last season, as he also won 80% of his duels overall, made 5 clearances, blocked one shot and completed 2 interceptions, but conceded a penalty, as per SofaScore.

Katic is working his way back from fitness after he was ruled out for a large part of the season. He has become a firm fan favourite with the Ibrox outfit, although his discipline has often let him down at times.

Goldson, who was recently described as the “perfect” player by former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan, could be the catalyst to end the nine-year wait for the Scottish Premiership title. His former Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner said “he had a great attitude, he was a leader and I always felt that he could go on to have a really good career. It was just about experience.” Similarly, he has become one of the leaders at Ibrox, and has stepped up in Katic’s absence as well.

If the Gers are to regain their title, then we suspect that the centre-back may have his part to play at the back as well as in attack. More of the same, please!

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers have every right to be worried about Leeds target Ryan Kent…