Scott Arfield’s Celtic comments will cause a stir of opinions amongst the Rangers support.
The midfielder is close to returning from international duty with Canada. Arfield captained his country to a historic record breaking win over the US Virgin Islands.
But the former Burnley and Falkirk man also had time to reflect on the Old Firm game nearly two weeks ago. It was a difficult day for all concerned, with much criticism being placed on the tactics utilised.
Arfield seems to have a different take, however. Speaking today, the Gers star claimed that Celtic are simply a better team with better game-management.
I think in terms of experience, Celtic were far better in terms of ways of managing the game. The manager is obviously new in the fixture too. If we want to be successful then we need to beat the best teams and Celtic – when you look at the last eight to ten years – have been the better team and they are champions for a reason. I’m quite glad the first one is out of the way because you build yourself up thinking about it, so I am glad it’s over and I think we will be better for it.
It’s important to state that Arfield did indeed state a belief that Rangers can topple Celtic. He feels the club have the players and capabilities to get the better of Brendan Rodgers’ men.
Yet, some Rangers fans won’t agree with some of these comments. Wanting to get an Old Firm fixture “out of the way” is exactly the kind of attitude Rangers are trying to shift. Too many players in recent years have been itching to move on from Celtic.
Instead, the club need to have players who are itching to do battle and turn them over. Whilst Arfield is quick to point out he thinks his side can eventually get the better of Celtic, he doesn’t seem overly-optimistic here.
On the counter, however, you could say the midfielder is just being realistic. It pains every Rangers fan out there, but Celtic have been champions for a long time now. They have a settled squad and a manager well used to success in this fixture.
That’s what Rangers are still trying to build, and Arfield does get that point across.
But there’s a sense that the midfielder could’ve been a tad more positive about Rangers’ chances here. The performance two weeks ago certainly didn’t reflect a side who looked like getting stuck into Celtic.
It was the polar opposite. Rangers supporters would therefore hate to think a “we can do it next time” mind-set is developing within the club.
It’s likely to spit Gers right down the middle. Is Arfield being defeatist or just realistic? You’ll all have your own minds made up.
