Scott Arfield’s goal against St Johnstone today was exactly what the doctor ordered after his Villarreal performance.
Indeed, a goal and two assists from the former Burnley midfielder shows that he’s finally stepping up in a Rangers jersey. Arfield netted Rangers’ third in their 5-1 rout of St Johnstone, before setting up Kyle Laffety and Daniel Candeias.
In the end, Arfield can chalk it up to a very convincing performance form himself individually. Looking at the overall picture, however, Arfield seems to be really making progress in a Rangers shirt.
When he arrived in the summer, much was expected of him. He looked like being the main man to spearhead Rangers’ midfield going forward. He had previous of doing the same at Burnley and Falkirk, but doing it at Rangers is a different story.
He’s certainly had his fair share of criticism from us, but finally it looks as though he’s coming on to a game. It’s easy to look at his overall quality and past career achievements and say that he was always going to turn things around.
Truth be told, however, it looks as though the Villarreal draw was the making of him.
The big confidence booster
Arfield’s strike at El Madrigal was a huge confidence booster from him, and he played with a freedom to his game this afternoon against Saints. It remains to be seen if the midfielder can get into double figures this season for goals, but that has to be the target.
With competition heating up nicely in the Gers engine room, the likes of Arfield has to be at his best. If his level were to drop, then the likes of Graham Dorrans and Ovie Ejaria are waiting to pounce.
In the last two matches, however, you could argue that Arfield has been man of the match. He hasn’t won the award in either, but his performances could’ve easily merited them.
Arfield is now on a new lease of life at Ibrox, and El Madrigal was where it began. His vital equaliser in Spain done wonders for his confidence this afternoon.
A fit and firing Scott Arfield will be a huge asset this season. He’s been fit all season, and it now looks as though he’s about to start firing.
