Rangers saw Joe Aribo struggle in the recent Old Firm derby at Ibrox.
Rangers’ defeat to Celtic last weekend left Steven Gerrard open to criticism, with some of his decisions seeming somewhat baffling.
The Gers lost 2-0 to their bitter rivals in the first Old Firm derby of the season, falling to goals from Odsonne Edouard and Jonny Hayes before Jordan Jones was sent off.
Some are already suggesting that Rangers’ title challenge has a long way to go after that game, but Gerrard has to take the blame for his bizarre decision on Joe Aribo.
The summer signing from Charlton Athletic had really impressed in midfield for Rangers, showing an exciting combination of skill, technique and athletic ability, driving forward from the middle of the park.
Bizarrely though, Gerrard chose to switch Aribo to play as a left winger, taking him out of his comfort zone – and it showed with a poor display that resulted in fans criticising him on Twitter.
Aribo couldn’t get into the game, and even when put back into midfield, the damage was already done and he ended up being hooked after a disappointing display.
Just why Gerrard decided to use Aribo out wide is unclear, as he had wingers Jordan Jones and Sheyi Ojo on the bench, yet went with an out-of-position midfielder in a move which never looked likely to work.
It was a gamble from Gerrard, and one that he surely won’t ever take again. The signing of Ryan Kent helps that, as he now has a star left winger back in his ranks, rather than feel he has to push Aribo forward again.
Hopefully Aribo can now return to his midfield role and pick up the ball to drive at defenders rather than feel he has to take on a full back, which isn’t why he was brought to Ibrox.
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