IT says much about how the season has unfolded for Rangers that even in celebration there is a frustration. As Steven Gerrard analyses another Old Firm victory, as supporters bask in the glory of derby success, the questions about why Rangers couldn’t have performed like this more often will nag away at the back of the mind.

This triumph was as comfortable as it was deserved. Like in the 1-0 win in December, the scoreboard didn’t tell how dominant the Light Blues actually were on the park.

Rangers have proven this season that they can beat Celtic over 90 minutes, but now they must be better and more consistent than them week after week, month after month. If they can, a title win in Gerrard’s second term at Ibrox is certainly not out of the question.

Just six points now separate the Old Firm going into the final round of Premiership fixtures and that is proof enough that the gap across Glasgow has closed.

The draws and the defeats along the way have ultimately undermined Rangers but captain James Tavernier can take confidence and hope from performances and results such as this as Rangers eased to a 2-0 victory.

Tavernier said: “We have to [take it into next season]. Over the past five games we have shown a real dominance in the way we have played and in the system we have worked on.

“We definitely believe we need to carry that into next season but today we were exceptional.

“Once the season ends, it is those other games where we have lacked consistency. If we learn from those lessons before next season then we will definitely be in a title race.

“There are positives there. So if we can take them, and look at and correct the negatives, then I believe we will be in a really good position.

“I think we are definitely there. We have gone toe-to-toe with Celtic, who have obviously deserved to win the league. That is down to us with our lack of consistency. But we feel that we have got the team and the manager is going to strengthen in the summer. We are in a good position.

“The gap was too big for us and it was only our fault that the gap was what it was. Obviously there is a lot of frustration in that but we can take a lot of positives from the end of the season.

“The gaffer said to us to finish the season strong and we have shown that we can do that. We have just got to keep on building and not take any steps backwards.”

It was wrongly said in the build-up to this encounter that there was nothing at stake and little to play for. That is never the case on Old Firm day, though.

When Tavernier’s free-kick evaded everyone in the area and nestled in the corner of the Celtic net after just two minutes, Ibrox erupted. The scenes when Scott Arfield doubled their lead and clinched the win were even more delirious amongst the Light Blue legions.

Rangers produced the moments of class when required. This was a victory earned through industry and endeavour, however.

“I think the performance was up there in terms of this season,” Tavernier said. “I still believe we have another gear or two in us.

“But today I thought we were exceptional from the first whistle in carrying out the game plan that was set out. I’m really proud of all the boys.

“I really enjoyed my goal. I spoke to Razza (Ryan Kent) before I took it and he told me just to aim for that back post.

“That’s what I did and you have seen them go in during games. I’m just delighted that it did.

“It was definitely a bit of both – a cross and shot. Like I said, you see players do it and sometimes it goes all the way through. But you have to put in an area that will cause the opposition problems.

“From the get-go we were working really hard in the game but an early goal helps to set the tone. I felt we were more relaxed after scoring inside just a couple of minutes. The fans got right behind us and it was good.

For Tavernier, this was a win that meant that little bit more. The captain has had to endure his fair share of Old Firm heartache in recent years, but this was a day to savour in the Ibrox sunshine.

Tavernier said: “It is exceptional. We have been waiting for these days for a long time, especially being at the club for so long.

“I was speaking to Wes (Foderingham) in the changing room and that is his first win since the semi-final. The first time that we won was obviously a weight off the shoulder but we want to set a mark and we want to say that we are back and that we will go toe-to-toe with you. I am really proud of the lads.”