The Scottish Premiership victory means that Steven Gerrard’s men have completed the season without losing a derby fixture - the first Rangers team do so since 1999/00 – and they have also won all three games against Celtic at home in all competitions.
Today, the Light Blues were helped by a deserved red card shown to Callum McGregor for his tackle in the build-up to Kemar Roofe’s first goal on 26 minutes, but there is no doubt the home side deserved all three points.
After Roofe’s excellent finish with his chest had broken the deadlock, an equaliser from Odsonne Edouard was quickly forgotten about when Morelos produced a wonderful finish after the half-hour mark to make it 2-1.
The visitors remained a threat going forward but on 57 minutes their hopes of taking something from the contest looked to be gone when Roofe’s delightful header beat Scott Bain to give Gers a two-goal advantage.
In injury time Jermain Defoe, who replaced Roofe late on, then made it four with a composed finish which completed the scoring in sensational style.
Despite the empty stands the game started with a good speed and intensity, with Celtic lively and determined in the opening five minutes.
Rangers, however, got into their groove and a swiftly taken free-kick from man of the match Steven Davis allowed Joe Aribo to unleash a left-foot shot which was blocked. From the corner that followed, Old Firm debutant Jack Simpson headed over from Borna Barisic’s delivery.
The Light Blues were now applying pressure and Morelos was guilty of missing a guilt-edged chance. A terrific cross from James Tavernier flew across Bain’s goal to the back post but Morelos sclaffed his shot from five yards when he should have scored.
On 15 minutes Simpson received the first booking of the game and it was harsh, with the big defender challenging Edouard from behind in the centre circle.
As with any Old Firm battle the action was flowing from one end to the other and Rangers were creating chances which provided early hope.
Barisic, in particular, was seeing a lot of the ball on the left wing and from another one of his trademark crosses a headed clearance was met by Ryan Kent who volleyed high and wide from 20 yards.
Kent too looked in the mood and when the tricky winger nutmegged McGregor and was brought down, referee Nick Walsh has no option but to pull out his yellow card again having done the same for Simpson.
The game was now in full flow and after Mohamed Elyounoussi saw a powerful drive from distance clatter off the bar – with Allan McGregor getting his fingertips to the ball – Rangers went up the park and opened the scoring.
After patient build-up play which saw the referee play advantage following a clumsy challenge from McGregor on Kamara, Aribo played the ball back to Kent and his cross was chested into the net at Bain’s near post by Roofe.
As the Rangers players celebrated McGregor received a second yellow card, taking the visitors down to ten men for the remainder of the game.
However, just four minutes after the opener, Celtic dramatically equalised. A deep corner was headed towards goal by Kristoffer Ajer and Edouard was there to apply the finishing touch from close range.
In what was proving to be a remarkable first half, the champions then got their noses back in front with 33 minutes on the clock, and it was a moment of magic from Morelos. The Colombian jinked inside Scott Brown, putting the ball through his legs, before launching a left-foot rocket into the roof of the net.
Rangers were now in a position of strength but, despite having a man advantage, they couldn’t allow their focus to slip, which was highlighted on 40 minutes.
Ajer produced a powerful run from the back to get into the last the last third of the pitch and he teed up James Forrest who will wonder how he never managed to test McGregor.
Ten minutes into the second half and again it the visitors who had another great opportunity to level the score. Forrest’s cross from the right looked perfect for the unmarked David Turnbull who glanced a header wide.
This was a pivotal moment in the match as Roofe, on 57 minutes, made it 3-1 with a great goal. Barisic’s excellent cross was inch perfect for the forward who rose majestically to plant a fine header beyond the helpless Bain.
An injury to Barisic, who was a constant threat on the left flank, was a concern for Gerrard and his backroom staff. The Croatian walked tentatively around the pitch and up the tunnel and was replaced by Scott Wright.
Ianis Hagi and Jermain Defoe were also introduced for the final 10 minutes, going on for Morelos and Roofe respectively, and it was Defoe who made it 4-1 in the 92nd minute. The striker jinked one way and then another before rolling the ball brilliantly into the net.
The stunning 4-1 win means that the champions remain unbeaten in the league this season with just two matches, against Livingston and Aberdeen, remaining.
RANGERS: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Simpson, Barisic (Wright 79), Davis, Kamara, Aribo, Kent, Morelos (Hagi 83), Roofe (Defoe 86)
Subs Not Used: McLaughlin, King, Stewart, Itten
Goals: Roofe 26, 57 Morelos 33 Defoe 90+2
Bookings: Simpson
CELTIC: Bain; Taylor, Brown (Soro 60), Turnbull, Kenny, Edouard (Johnston 75), Elyounoussi, Ajer, McGregor, Forrest (Christie 60), Welsh
Subs Not Used: Barkas, Bitton, Griffiths, Ajeti, Ralston, Laxalt
Goals: Edouard 30
Bookings: McGregor, Elyounoussi
Sent Off: McGregor
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