If you’d told Steven Gerrard on the first day of the season, that his side would still be firmly in a title race by February, i’m sure he would have taken it.
That Celtic hold the advantage at this stage, is not wholly unexpected.
When you factor in Rangers’ inconsistency in the league, it’s perhaps surprising that they are still in touch at all.

Ryan Kent scored in a recent win at Livingston, but away form in general has been poor. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Yet, it hasn’t been just Glasgow’s big two, challenging for top spot this season. Instead, it’s been remarkably open.
Recent results though, suggest the Gers’ task is becoming a little less complicated.

Killie dropping out of the race?

When Kilmarnock took all three points off Gerrard’s men at Rugby Park, it looked as though they were a team in form and full of confidence.
Yet, they have failed to push on since then.
A draw away at Aberdeen and a defeat at home to Hearts, has seem them drop to three points behind the Gers.

Aberdeen held Killie, before taking all three points at Easter Road. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
The Dons are now only two points behind Gerrard’s side, but an away win at Pittodrie on Wednesday night, would extend that gap to a commanding five.
If Rangers can put some distance between themselves and the other challengers, it would make the task ahead a lot simpler.

Instead of a four horse race, it becomes a head-to-head with Celtic.
After the Old Firm win in December, that’s no longer something to fear.
December’s win shows Rangers have the tools to beat Celtic one-on-one. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
While Killie may be conspiring to make this an easier task, it means nothing if the Gers can’t find consistency.
They must now string together a significant run of wins, in order to make their own challenge, a reality.
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