Gerrard: This is just a start
lead at the top of the table, despite the Hoops’ three games in hand. But the Rangers gaffer is refusing to accept there has been a Glasgow power shift.
He knows outside observers think it’s their title to lose. But Gerrard insists his players won’t take anything for granted.
The Gers boss said: “For me, it ’s not about the balance of power. It’s about focusing on us.
“It was a big game and it could have gone three ways. It could have stayed the same, we could increase our lead or Celtic could cut it back.
“But we don’t look at leads or where we are. Our season starts now.
“This was the outcome we wanted. But it’s about staying in the now and not worrying about what’s gone on before or what’s further down the line.
“Prior to this game we were aware of the noise.
“But it’s my job to protect my players and we’re not going to gain anything by listening to it.
“Teams are going to keep trying to beat us but we just need to be ourselves.
“Everything we have done this season has got us into this position and we need to keep fighting to remain there.
“We just need to trust the process and our identity as a team.
“Rangers haven’t shown in previous years that we can go the distance. So the challenge for us is to stay humble and hungry.
“I’m really proud and satisfied with the result. It’s three important points and it stretches our lead.
“We played a strong Celtic team who were excellent for 45 minutes. We struggled to get a foothold in the game. But there was a big improvement from the interval to the red card.
“These games are all about big moments. Celtic got one badly wrong and we capitalised on it.”
Ger ra rd had his goa l k e e p er Al l a n McGregor to thank for keeping his side in it early on with a trio of top saves.
The Gers boss just wishes his star stopper was a few years younger.
Gerrard said: “We talk about Allan a lot after big games which tells its own story. You’re talking about a legend of the club, a phenomenal goalkeeper.
“It’s a shame that he’s nearly as old as me because I’d love him to be my keeper for years to come.
“That’s what good keepers need to do, they need to help you win big football matches.”
Gerrard’s side were second best for large spells in the derby before Bitton was red carded for hauling down Alfredo Morelos.
Gers didn’t record a shot on target but still emerged victorious, which was payback for their Betfred Cup Final defeat a year ago when they lost 1- 0.
It puts them in the title driving seat but Gerrard added: “It’s about resetting in midweek when we start our work for the Aberdeen game on Sunday.
“We’ve beaten a good Celtic team. People won’t remember what happened in the game.
“It’s all about the result, I didn’t want us to be outstanding and lose.”