Several aspects were particularly striking. By the interval, Rangers were leading through Naderi’s goal and dominating contests across the field, much as they had the previous Sunday.
They had won 67.6% of the aerial challenges compared with Celtic’s 32.4%, while recording eight attempts to one and six shots on target to none.
Camilo Duran had only eight touches, Kevin Kelsy managed 13 and Naderi recorded 23. Rangers were coming out on top in almost every individual contest.
The introduction of club-record signing Kasper Hogh did little to alter the pattern of the game, with Rangers creating further opportunities after the break.
Hogh was once again starved of support, but his confidence now appears so low that even better service might not guarantee the clinical finishing he regularly displayed for Bodo-Glimt.
When the leading striker cannot make the starting line-up and captain Callum McGregor is being overwhelmed in midfield, the problems become too numerous for O’Neill to resolve easily.
McInnes was correct to stress the importance of the three points, but the momentum in Glasgow now belongs to his side. The confidence, purpose and positive energy currently favour blue over green. That shift has happened remarkably quickly, although Celtic could still reverse it by rediscovering their form.
Serious questions must now be answered, perhaps more than O’Neill has encountered during any of his previous spells in the city.
At present, Rangers resemble a club with a clear sense of direction, whereas Celtic appear trapped in confusion and uncertainty.
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