That Rangers played an integral part in the most enthralling Old Firm match in years matters little to Glasgow’s blue half. The terrific spirit as summoned by Celtic – 10-man Celtic, who fielded a debutant goalkeeper in the most febrile of atmospheres – was sufficient to win by the odd goal in five. Thoughts of a title race between these old foes can surely be forgotten for another season.

Brendan Rodgers described it as his most satisfying win over Rangers. Celtic’s manager is more entitled than most to cherish the moment; his tactical boldness after the dismissal of Jozo Simunovic, 56 minutes in, proved to be pivotal. Rather than settle for the point that was within his grasp with the score at 2-2, Rodgers turned to the Paris Saint-Germain loanee Odsonne Édouard. The forward duly repaid the manager’s faith with a wonderful winner, as befitting a match laced with error but supplying epic entertainment. “My intent is always to attack,” the visiting manager said. “Eight out of 10 times, you’ll succeed that way.”

Édouard had been on the field for only two minutes when he cut inside and curled the ball beyond the despairing Wes Foderingham. “He will endear himself to the supporters by scoring a goal like that at Ibrox,” said Rodgers, providing an entry for understatement of the year. “Odsonne is a big talent, one of best young players I have worked with. He has everything and a natural brain for football.”

So too does Rodgers, who oversaw recoveries from several tricky situations. After a Dedryck Boyata blunder, Josh Windass burst through to send Rangers in front with some still to take their seats. Celtic, who had been ragged, responded via the left boot of Tom Rogic after the midfielder was allowed to break forward unchallenged.

Rangers were to capitalise on the visitors’ generosity again before the break, Declan John’s cross somehow finding its way to Daniel Candeias. The Portuguese slammed home at the back post. Celtic replied in a manner befitting Scotland’s dominant football force, Scott Brown’s long pass picking out Moussa Dembélé before the French striker coolly lobbed the advancing Foderingham.

The interval offered some serenity as onlookers paused for breath, but a low-key start to the second half was spectacularly stoked as Simunovic caught Alfredo Morelos with an elbow. Rodgers had little complaint over the dismissal of his centre-back.

Rangers were given hope by another Boyata slip, but it was duly snatched away by the wastefulness of Morelos, who shot straight at Scott Bain when bearing down on goal. Bain, who is on loan from Dundee, was only informed he was playing via text message on Sunday morning, after Dorus de Vries failed to recover from an ankle problem. He had not played a first-team game since October after being ostracised at his parent club. “It’s a funny old game, one thing can happen and kickstart your career,” said the debutant goalkeeper later. “It’s the biggest game I’ve ever played in and the biggest win I’ve ever had.”

Celtic’s next attack saw Rodgers’ gamble pay off. Dembélé played in his new partner and Édouard converted in fine fashion. As the game continued to ebb and flow, Rangers had a clear chance to level but Morelos hit a post from three yards. Morelos was subject to a recent lucrative but rejected bid from China; someone a long way from Glasgow perhaps breathed a sigh of relief as the Colombian supplied a miss for the ages.

Graeme Murty did not mask his disappointment. “We let it go by not being good at the basics and conceding three very poor goals,” said the Rangers manager. “It was poor fundamentally from us. We had a really good opportunity to apply some pressure [in the league] and squandered it.” Celtic’s lead is now nine points and with a game in hand.

Rodgers refused to accept that the title is already retained. “Not by a long way,” he said. “It was a big step for us though, a great victory, and I thought we deserved it. We made a couple of mistakes defensively but always have that threat going forward.” That Rodgers had the courage of his convictions is one of many reasons Celtic should enjoy him while they can.