It was a lacklustre display from the hosts but Rangers were on good form without needing to really hit top gear to take the spoils.
A goal in either half from the impressive former Brighton defender gave Steven Gerrard’s side the win, while Allan McGregor was hardly troubled in the visiting net save for a late panic when Leigh Griffiths got around him.
The match dictated who would finish the first quarter of the season top of the SPFL Premiership table, and although Celtic still have a game in hand Rangers are four points clear at the summit.
Moi Elyounoussi had a chance for Celtic shortly after Goldson had headed James Tavernier’s free-kick past Vasilis Barkas in the ninth minute. The goalkeeper was beaten again by Goldson from close range after Shane Duffy initially blocked the defender’s strike.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has warned his players they cannot continue to live off past glories, in his post-match analysis and admitted his side lacked a ‘spark’. Steven Gerrard also played it calm, insisting Rangers would not get ahead of themselves after such a comfortable victory at the home of their fierce rivals and current league champions.
You can follow how it happened, in real-time, via our liveblog recap here.
Here’s how Rangers rated.
Player ratings scale - 10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.
1. Allan McGregor - 7
Barely troubled. He's hardly had quieter Old Firm games, quite literally with empty stands behind him. Made sure he was heard though to ensure defence was organised into another clean sheet.
Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
2. Borna Barisic - 7
Had Frimpong pinned back for the duration of the first half and most of the second. Threatened with deep crosses without supplying either of the goals, and could have done better with an early chance.
Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
3. Filip Helander - 7
You don't often notice a good centre-half in a good team performance, and Helander falls into that category. Crucial blocks in first half then tidy and quietly effective in the second - though eclipsed by his goalscoring defensive partner. Almost caught at the end but goalkeeper stopped Griffiths to spare Swede's flat-footed blushes
Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
4. Connor Goldson - 8
Terrific afternoon for the defender scoring twice and a clean sheet. Kept Elyounoussi particularly quiet and continues to be one of Steven Gerrard's pillars of reliability
Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group