Glasgow Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield played an important role in his team’s historic title winning season. The Gers won their 55th Scottish championship and first in a decade. It was a special time for the fans, made even better by the fact the light blues stopped Old Firm rivals Celtic’s seemingly relentless march to world record 10 in a row.
In a campaign that saw Steven Gerrard’s side finish unbeaten and more than 20 points clear of a frustrated Celtic, Arfield was named player of the season by several supporters clubs including the Bouverie True Blues in Port Glasgow. The Canadian was expected to spend one more season in Govan before, perhaps, moving on, but the 32-year-old hasn’t started this season anywhere near as well as he finished last.
Rangers opened the Scottish Premiership betting with many respected betting apps, including Bodog, and they are top of the league after six games, already four points clear of a Celtic side lacking any clear direction. But the champions have already lost that proud unbeaten record and dropped points at home to Motherwell on matchday six.
Arfield attracts criticism
On a day when last season’s league flag was unfurled at Ibrox in front of a capacity crowd, Rangers took the lead early thanks to a sublime goal from summer signing Fashion Sakala and all was good. After dominating the first half, Rangers allowed their tempo to drop in the second 45 and they were made to pay a hefty price by a dogged and determined Steelmen. Kaiyne Woolery scored an equaliser to stun the home support. Rangers battled to get back in front but despite more than six minutes of injury time being played, they couldn’t find a way past Liam Kelly.
Arfield came onto the pitch as a late substitute in that game, replacing Northern Ireland’s tired-looking Steven Davis on 81 minutes. The Canadian barely had time to impact the game and would have preferred his manager to give him the call earlier. Despite playing nine minutes of regulation time then the stoppage time that took us deep into 96 minutes, Arfield was one of the players fans weren’t happy with. Many took to social media platform Twitter to vent their frustrations at the points dropped and the toothless display by Arfield, who offered nothing from the bench.
That seemed harsh on the Canadian internationalist, capped 19 times after swapping Scotland for the Reds in 2016 through his Toronto born father, given his limited time on the field of play. At a club when a draw is seen as a disastrous result, Arfield wouldn’t have been shocked by the reaction but he is the kind of player to roll up his sleeves and fight back.
Midfielder wants more game time
Arfield is sure to be banging on the door of Gerrard’s office in the run-up to the next game and telling his boss exactly why he should be playing more. He’ll remind the former Liverpool and England legend the part he played in last season’s title-winning season and he’ll try to convince him that there’s plenty more in the tank. More good times to come from him. With the Gers’ squad ravaged by injury, there’s every chance those pleas will be answered with more game time.
The fixtures come thick and fast as we head into autumn, and Gerrard needs men he can trust, players he can rely on to stand up and be counted when times are tough. Arfield fits the bill there, and it looks like the perfect time to re-introduce him to the fold. The league campaign continues with a trip to Dens Park, where they’ll face a defensive Dundee. Arfield’s skill and eye for a pass could come in handy. Gers then finish the month of September with a trip to Sparta Prague in the Europa League. His big-game experience will be key in that trip.
Heading into October, and the big games continue for club and country. Canada is in World Cup qualifying action away to Mexico before visiting Jamaica. Two tough trips. The Reds then welcome Panama and will be hoping they are still in the running by then.