Just before the hour mark on Tuesday night in Aberdeen, it was clear that Rangers boss Michael Beale was unhappy with what he was seeing as the quadruple change took place.
James Sands, Glen Kamara, Ryan Jack and Fashion Sakala made way for Ben Davies, John Lundstram, Scott Arfield and Scott Wright, respectively in what was a roll of the dice. Not that it was a blind punt though, as there was more than a method to Beale’s thinking, with a moment of instruction caught by the Sky Sports cameras. He signalled for two up top, with Tillman to support Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfeld was tasked with getting close to the front line.
Not only did Arfield do that but we went above and beyond the strikers in ore ways than one as he turned out to be the hero on the night with the late, late show.
At Thurday’s press conference, the manager provided some insight to what was intended with the attempt to change the game at Pittodrie, with a particular nod to his talented German-American attacker:
“Late on in the game on Tuesday night I had to do something to completely scramble the game and what Aberdeen were trying to do.”
“We played with four players behind the striker, Scott (Arfield) and Malik (Tillman) were closer together. For the goal, if Malik doesn’t attempt to outplay and create something, we draw that game. I’m thankful to him for it and that’s the mentality that I want him to have.”
“Same with Ryan Kent, I want him to go where they need to go to get the ball and have as many touches as possible. It’s nice to have those options for sure.”
Fortune did favour the brave and that is what Rangers and Beale, were.
It shouldn’t have been left as late as that, but as a one-off, the comeback was spectacular. The likes of Tillman and Kent revelled under the pressure and the breaks came this time in how the goals came about.
That single-mindedness and ruthless streak has to find its way into their overall play, not just when there’s no other option.
🎙️ Part One | Michael Beale spoke to the media ahead of Friday’s match against Ross County. pic.twitter.com/FEnACPaMDJ
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 22, 2022