Rangers took advantage of two mistakes and a contentious penalty Sunday to win 3-1 at Celtic and move clear of its historic rival at the top of the Scottish Premier League.
The defending champions had trailed to a 45th-minute shot by Gary Hooper but equalized in the 49th through an own-goal by Glenn Loovens.
Kenny Miller scored in the 55th after a weak clearing kick by goalkeeper Fraser Forster and then made it 3-1 in the 67th from a penalty awarded for a block by Daniel Majstorovic - even though the defender appeared to be trying to get out of Kirk Broadfoot's way when he fell to the ground.
"With the start both teams have made this season, taking maximum points from the first eight games, this game was crucial," Miller said. "It was important that we won the game. Hopefully we can continue like this because these games play a big part in who's going to win the league."
While Miller took his tally to 12 for the season, the home side created few openings after falling behind.
"Going a goal down before halftime was disappointing because we started the game pretty well," Miller said. "But we got back into the game and I thought our second-half performance was fantastic.
"The manager just told us to be a bit more confident on the ball at halftime and get it moving quicker."
Rangers has 27 points after winning its opening nine games. Celtic is three points back after its first defeat.
