Scott Arfield’s return from injury was a bit of an anti-climax last night.
When Rangers were getting ready to face Aberdeen, news of Arfield’s return was delivered by Steven Gerrard. It was news that delighted supporters, and for good reason when you consider his performances this season.
Yet, on the night, he didn’t start the game and only came on in the final 10 minutes. This was just down to a desperate last throw of the dice from the Rangers manager.
Unsurprisingly, Arfield made little to no impression. He didn’t get a chance to get on the ball due to Rangers’ rush to get a goal. Instead, he found himself totally bypassed as the ball was just consistently launched into the Aberdeen box.
The previous 80 minutes saw a toothless Gers attack struggle to break down the Dons. It was a miserable evening all round for Rangers, with far too little quality in the final third.
Worryingly, that isn’t a first in recent matches for Gerrard’s side. The Rangers manager touched on it post-match, and the club have lacked energy in the final third for the last three matches in particular.
Big-performer
Ever since seeing off Hearts, where Arfield produced a big performance, Rangers have looked poor. Despite a 4-1 win at Hamilton, two of those goals were penalties and for 80 minutes Rangers put in the same sluggish display.
That was followed by an energetic outing against Spartak Moscow in the Europa League. The problem with that match was the same as the one before and after it – Rangers had no quality going forward.
No surprises then that all three matches have been played without Arfield. The onus has been on Ovie Ejaria to provide some spark in behind the front-men, but he’s struggled with that burden.
Arfield has managed three goals and three assists so far in 17 Rangers appearances. Whilst those stats seem modest, Arfield is constantly looking to support the attack, and gets into the box quickly. Ejaria, meanwhile, hasn’t been as quick-minded with his attacking.
Wednesday night should hopefully see Rangers’ attacking midfielder thrown back into the side. Dependent on his fitness, Arfield should make a timely return against Kilmarnock.
It’s going to be a match where Rangers don’t want to allow Killie any respite, and Arfield will have the perfect chance to show us all what he brings to the club.
