Much has been made of Rangers’ struggle to rekindle their form since returning from the winter break in Dubai and Scott Arfield has recently opened up on events that have unfolded since the turn of the year.
What’s the word?
Arfield starred in the Gers’ latest victory over Hamilton as the visitors eventually claimed a 4-1 win in the last-16 of the Scottish Cup.
The scoreline, though, was far from representative of the pattern of the game and depicted a gulf in class that was seldom on display during the course of the 90 minutes.
And while victory in knockout competitions is ultimately the most important thing it was impossible to escape the feeling that Rangers once again left plenty to be desired in the midst of a concerning run of form for the club.
Arfield, who scored a brace on Saturday lunchtime, addressed concerns over the club’s form in the aftermath of proceedings, per Daily Record.
“As a team, staff and club we understand people’s frustrations. They’ve every right to feel like that but I certainly believe we have the players who can handle the pressure.
“I probably can’t put my finger on why we haven’t been as good since the winter break but as players we can’t over think it. That’s for other people.
“For us in the building it’s maybe not been as fluid in an attacking sense, but if you score goals at the right time then opinions change.”
Ominous sign
At first glance the 31-year-old’s quotes make for relatively generic reading, but there is a particular admission that evokes cause for concern ahead of the season run-in.
That Arfield, who is valued at £2.25m by Transfermarkt, cannot put his finger on Rangers’ dip in form suggests there is a distinct lack of understanding of the intricate details which have contributed to their dip in recent weeks.
He does allude to a lack of attacking fluidity, yet intangible factors – such as the timing of goals and the subsequent psychological impact they can stimulate – appear to be cited as the solution to their current issues.
Perhaps this is a media ploy from Arfield and perhaps Steven Gerrard is meticulously working behind the scenes, analysing footage and consulting his backroom team to establish a concrete explanation, and subsequent solution, for their form since the turn of the year.
But only Gerrard will know if that is indeed the case, and the former Burnley man’s admission does little to suggest the club are collectively driving towards a coherent solution.
The manager and his players should be acutely aware of the fundamental issues at the heart of their mediocre performances of late but, if Arfield’s comments are anything to go by, it appears that is far from the case.
