Rangers manager Michael Beale ‘surprised’ John Robertson by not playing Scott Arfield in a central area at Ross County. The midfielder’s position restricted him to a ‘subdued’ role.
Robertson did not expect to see Arfield play in wider areas at Victoria Park in the Gers’ 1-0 win. He felt the midfielder merited a more centralised position having bagged two goals at Aberdeen. The Canadian came off Beale’s bench to seal a 3-2 win after 95’ and 97 minutes.
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Beale rewarded Arfield after his game-winning double with his first Premiership start since Livingston on October 22 at Ross County. But the 34-year-old only featured for 67 minutes before making way for Ryan Jack. He had endured a quiet night and offered little in attack.
Instead, the most Arfield would contribute came in trying to win possession back. The 19-cap Canada ace registered a higher volume of successful tackles than any other player for either team. Per WhoScored, he snatched the ball with each of his five attempted tackles.
Arfield further provided Rangers one clearance – matching his number of chances created. He would not attempt a single shot, either. Whereas John Lundstram (35’) scored the only goal of the game from his centralised midfield role. It was the 28-year-old’s only attempt.
Beale ‘surprised’ Robertson with Arfield playing wider as Rangers beat Ross County
Jack, meanwhile, came off Rangers’ bench for Arfield at Ross County and saw his only shot on goal get blocked. The 30-year-old, however, also fashioned two goalscoring chances for Gers players. He further won possession from his only attempted tackle across 23 minutes.
Former Ross County boss Robertson feels it was Beale’s choice to play Arfield in the wider areas of Rangers’ midfield that restricted the Canadian. The Livingston-born technician will now hope his troubles at the top of the pitch does not hurt his chance of keeping his place.
“I’m surprised Scott Arfield isn’t more central after his goals against Aberdeen,” Robertson said on BBC Sportsound. “I think he is more subdued playing wide.”
Rangers return to action at home to Motherwell on Wednesday, December 28 in their last Premiership game of 2022. Arfield has not started in their last three league games at Ibrox.
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