Kemar Roofe scored his first Rangers goal as they returned to winning ways against Kilmarnock and moved three points clear at the Premiership summit.
Roofe netted moments after heading an effort against the post.
Ryan Kent, the subject of a failed £10m Leeds United bid this week, had earlier tested Danny Rogers with a curling strike.
But he did find the net with a composed finish as the Ibrox side registered a fifth clean sheet out of five.
Unlike Rangers’ 0-0 draw with Livingston last week, the Ibrox side were able to turn their dominance into goals but they were made to wait.
Brandon Barker and Kent drew saves from Rogers and Kent was also foiled by a crucial intervention by Aaron McGowan at the end of a breakaway.
With Alfredo Morelos left out of Rangers’ squad, Roofe and Cedric Itten were given their first starts and Roofe headed a Borna Barisic cross off Rogers’ left-hand post early in the second half.
But the same combination bore fruit moments later when left-back Barisic’s low delivery was side-footed in by the former Anderlecht attacker.
James Tavernier set up Kent to place a second to Rogers’ left after the Rangers captain had seen his initial shot blocked.
Kilmarnock, still without a win this season, offered little in attack and did not give keeper Jon McLaughlin much to do.
Man of the match – Ryan Kent
What did we learn?
When both Roofe and Cedric Itten were named in the starting line-up, it looked like Gerrard was fielding a front two but Itten initially played wide on the right with Roofe through the middle.
Neither really affected the game until Itten moved inside in the second half and the opening goal soon followed.
Barker was busy in a rare Rangers start and the home side were more than willing to shoot from long range when Kilmarnock had closed down space around the area.
Killie did well that for long spells but going forward they were unable to give much service to either Eamonn Brophy or his replacement Nicke Kabamba.
What did they say?
Manager Steven Gerrard told RangersTV: “Second half, we played with more purpose and more intent. I had a little small pop at them at half-time, asked for it to be quicker and more purposeful.
“We managed to find the answers and it could’ve been a few more in the end. A lot of clean sheets are happening so I’m very pleased about it.”
What’s next?
Rangers are away to Hamilton Academical next Saturday evening and Kilmarnock host Dundee United earlier that day.