Glasgow Rangers considerably eased the pressure on supervisor Giovanni van Bronckhorst with a significant victory over Hearts on Wednesday night, with Malik Tillman’s second-half strike sealing all three factors for the house facet at Ibrox.
The scrutiny on the Dutchman’s place has turn into intense of late following the shock weekend defeat to St Johnstone – in addition to the Old Firm outfit’s depressing European type – with yesterday’s consequence having been essential to stopping the latest rot.
One man who significantly impressed in that hard-fought triumph was substitute, Scott Arfield, with the veteran playmaker having confirmed his worth to his supervisor with an impactful show off the bench within the second interval.
The former Canada worldwide – who netted the membership’s first Champions League objective in over a decade in opposition to Liverpool final month – has made simply ten begins from his 22 appearances in all competitions this season, though the 34-year-old showcased simply why he ought to assume a extra outstanding position transferring ahead.
The 19-cap menace was launched instead of James Sands on the break and shortly set about making an attempt to rally his teammates into motion, with The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell notably stating: “Scott Arfield has added a lot of personality to the team since coming on. Cajoling teammates, pressing with intensity, trying to link things. Leadership has been one of the biggest misses with likes of Goldson & Jack absent.”
In a squad filled with younger expertise – together with the likes of Leon King, Rabbi Matondo and the aforementioned Sands – it’s seemingly important to have such an skilled asset at Van Bronckhorst’s disposal, with the Glasgow facet in want of leaders amid this present powerful spell.
Arfield’s impression was additionally lauded by Rangers Review’s Derek Clark, with the journalist writing that the ageing gem ‘added a bit more intensity and energy. He was visibly demanding more from his teammates and it paid off with a much-needed win’.
Although the previous Burnley man’s precise on-the-ball position was considerably restricted – making simply 26 touches in his 45-minute outing – his calming presence seemingly had the specified impact, having notably accomplished 17 of his 20 passes and laid on one key cross.
Amid the present doom and gloom, Arfield’s expertise may effectively be what is required to assist regular the ship for the Scottish giants, with the Livingston-born ace having been a fantastic servant to the membership over time, with 39 objectives and 19 assists in 212 video games in all competitions.
With Rangers’ ultimate recreation prior to the World Cup break to come away to St Mirren this weekend, having the midfielder within the facet from the beginning may effectively be key for Van Bronckhorst.