Rangers are top of the Scottish Premiership for the first time in two years – but only after a frantic and ultimately nervy win against Dundee United at Ibrox.
Long-time leaders Hearts can retake the position when they visit Livingston on Sunday, but for the first time since September will play with the pressure of being usurped, albeit only on goal difference.
In a scrappy yet open game, Rangers eventually proved too strong for United – who had put a major dent in Celtic’s title hopes last time out – but only after surviving late pressure.
Ryan Naderi and Dujon Sterling put Rangers two goals in front despite some unconvincing play early on, before Amar Fatah’s lovely finish on the break right on half-time quietened Ibrox.
Thelo Aaasgaard restored Rangers’ comfortable advantage just seven minutes into the second half after a fine move involving Tochi Chukwuani and Djeidi Gassama.
But their inability to shut down a wide-open game or finish their chances left them vulnerable and United struck again on the break through Zac Sapsford to set up a nervy final quarter.
United centre-back Iurie Iovu even headed off a post with six minutes to go as Rangers threatened to throw away victory.
But all the tension was released when Bojan Miovski swept home their fourth goal from the edge of the box to take Rangers to the top of the league.
