THE mantra of ‘one game at a time’ has stood Rangers in good stead this season but some fixtures are naturally more significant than others, either due to the calibre of the opponent or the situation in the title race at any given moment. This campaign has been no different in that regard but the consistency which Steven Gerrard’s side have shown this term has been remarkable and their record on the way to the title speaks for itself.

When their mentality was questioned, Rangers found the answers. When they had to prove their title credentials, they showed that they had the mark of champions when it mattered most.

The day that Rangers clinched their 55th league flag will live long in the memory for supporters and always be the most important one. Here, Herald and Times Sport looks at five other key fixtures that helped Gerrard’s side achieve their ultimate ambition and become Premiership champions.

Celtic 0-2 RANGERS

Saturday, October 17

Connor Goldson of Rangers celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers

When Gerrard had guided his side to Old Firm victories in previous seasons, they were greeted with emotional celebrations as hoodoos were ended and scores were settled. This time, it was all rather low-key from the manager and his players.

The same could be said for the game. This was the first derby behind closed doors and it was as comfortable an afternoon as Rangers could have hoped for as Connor Goldson scored in either half.

It was an assured, controlled performance from Gerrard’s side and Celtic were outplayed on their own turf. Defeat at Parkhead saw them fall four points adrift and the gap between the teams was already beginning to show even this early in the season.

This was a statement of intent from Rangers and they wouldn’t look back as they pulled away from Celtic and reaffirmed their superiority.

Kilmarnock 0-1 RANGERS

Sunday, November 1

Rangers James Tavernier celebrates with his teammates after scoring his sides first goal of the game from the penalty spot during the Scottish Premiership match at Rugby Park

Rangers' James Tavernier celebrates with his teammates after scoring his sides first goal of the game from the penalty spot during the Scottish Premiership match at Rugby Park

This win at Rugby Park took Gerrard’s side nine points clear of Celtic and the questions over a successful title bid were already being asked, and quickly downplayed. Given how impressive Rangers had been thus far, the signs were promising at this stage.

A James Tavernier penalty proved the difference on the day but Rangers had to dig deep in the end and a late Allan McGregor save to block a free-kick from Eamonn Brophy clinched a significant away win following earlier stumbles at Livingston and Hibernian.

It was at this venue, and against this opposition, where Gerrard’s side had previously come unstuck and a determined victory said much about the mentality of the squad as they followed up their 1-0 win over Lech Poznan with another narrow but important triumph.

RANGERS 3-1 Motherwell

Saturday, December 19

Kemar Roofe celebrates with Cedric Itten after scoring to make it 3-1 during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Motherwell

Kemar Roofe celebrates with Cedric Itten after scoring to make it 3-1 during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Motherwell

There have been few times this term where Gerrard’s side have found themselves in real adversity but this was one such moment as they lost their first league goal at Ibrox this term.

This one was all about the reaction from Rangers as they looked to respond to the Betfred Cup defeat to St Mirren just days before. Against a Motherwell side that took the lead and then defended in numbers, it was a real test for the title hopefuls.

Rangers would pass it impressively, though. Kemar Roofe netted twice, either side of a Cedric Itten strike, and any fears over a longer-lasting hangover from their Saints shock was quicky dismissed.

RANGERS 1-0 Celtic

Saturday, January 2

Joe Aribo of Rangers celebrates with teammates after scoring their teams first goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic

Joe Aribo of Rangers celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's first goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic

Celtic left Ibrox with three games in hand but their title ambitions were in tatters after Rangers moved 19 points clear thanks to a Callum McGregor own goal.

Keeper Allan McGregor made a handful of superb stops – including one from Leigh Griffiths – early on as Lennon’s side looked to ask questions of their Old Firm rivals. It was all in vain.

This wasn’t as impressive a performance from Rangers as the win at Parkhead but the points were just as precious and Celtic would undermine their challenge hours later by jetting off on their ill-fated trip to Dubai.

Celtic couldn’t recover from this defeat and a relentless Rangers had no intention of giving them any encouragement as they stormed further clear at the top of the table.

Hibernian 0-1 RANGERS

Rangers Alfredo Morelos celebrates scoring their sides first goal of the game during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match at Easter Road

Rangers' Alfredo Morelos celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match at Easter Road

Wednesday, January 27

Narrow wins over Celtic and Aberdeen put Gerrard’s side in control in the Premiership and this victory was another blow to those who were waiting for a collapse that would never come.

Alfredo Morelos scored the only goal of the game and then received a retrospective ban for his stamp on Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous.

It was a night that showed the Colombian at his best and at his worst. His fine strike was crucial for Gerrard, though.

The controversy from this night took some time to subside, but the ramifications were longer lasting as perhaps the last major hurdle was overcome by Rangers at the end of a defining month.