Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou joked that he "thought the title race was already over" after being quizzed on Rangers dropped points.
Goals from Jota and David Turnbull made it back-to-back Premiership wins on the road for the Parkhead outfit as they shake off their away day hoodoo.
Coupled with Hearts late leveller against Rangers, it cuts the gap between the Glasgow rivals to four points.
Postecoglou was quick to fire back at the critics who have already wrote his side off in the Premiership title picture after hitting top form in Lanarkshire.
When asked if Rangers dropping points was "icing on the cake" for Celtic, Postecoglou quipped: "Well, I thought the Premiership race was over, mate, so I'm not looking at the table any more.
"We are just kind of doing out own thing and it's of zero significance for us.
'I think what is more important to us is that we get some belief out of today. It's one thing to get a victory here, but to control the game like we did today should give the boys some real belief.
"There are some big games starting on Tuesday so I think that's the main thing for us.
"We will just keep doing our own thing and see where we end up."
Postecoglou hoped that the second win on the road this term would prove to be a pivotal turning point for the team,
He noted the instant impact of Giorgos Giakoumakis, Mikey Johnston and Nir Bitton on the game as his injury woes continue to ease.
He told the BBC: "For us, and me in particular, the turning point is we're just more settled now.
"As you saw today, we were able to put on three players who can make an impact in the game.
"We've still got players who are outside the squad who can make an impact.
"We've got some big tasks ahead of us, starting Tuesday.
"But for us, it's just a lot more settled and I think the players and myself are more comfortable with things."
