Celtic still have to host Rangers again, but trail by a solitary point
Old Firm rivals Rangers remain one point behind with a game in hand after Michael Beale secured his first win as Ibrox boss
Kyogo Furuhashi's second-half strike earned Celtic a narrow 1-0 victory over Rangers in the first Old Firm clash of the season on Saturday.
The Hoops extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to five points, although Rangers have a game in hand. It was a third successive victory for Ange Postecoglou's side, who have now won their last five meetings with their bitter rivals.
Rangers, under new manager Michael Beale, started brightly and had a couple of early chances to take the lead. However, it was Celtic who broke the deadlock just after half-time when Furuhashi fired home from close range after Daizen Maeda's shot had been parried by Allan McGregor.
Rangers pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way past the Celtic defence. The closest they came was when Leon Balogun headed home from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The win sees Celtic move five points clear of Rangers at the top of the table. However, Rangers have a game in hand and will be hoping to close the gap when the two sides meet again at Ibrox in April.
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