Michael Beale’s stern expression spoke volumes on Thursday night following Scott Arfield’s very late and dramatic winner against Aberdeen.
The lack of outward emotion showed that he fully understood the implications of a performance that was so far below expectations. That also includes the demands of the manager himself who watched his team go 1-0 up only not to follow up on it.
Sloppy play just before the break which included individual errors saw Aberdeen equalise and they were very unlucky not to get at least a draw from the game but that is where Rangers determination and bravery to keep going to the end paid a great reward. For both goals, several players were involved but Ryan Kent, Malik Tillman and the goalscorer, Scott Arfield should take huge credit for their impact.
That was certainly felt by the supporters in the away end and the thousands watching along on TV, as the sheer elation and rare sense of occasion ot such an unlikely win was celebrated with glee.
The manager was obviously delighted to keep his 100% record intact but his thoughts included a further assessment of where this team is at and how much still needs to be done:
“Learnt a lot again this evening, we started the game well then once something went wrong for us we didn’t look like we were together in the way we wanted to play. People were not not trying hard (sic), I just think we made some simple mistakes from people maybe overly trying.”
“We need to commit to the style and I was delighted we got the win because for a long period of time it looked like we were going to get beat”
Beale further commented that the need to win is the greater immediate priority but that in the weeks ahead there must be a development of a way of playing that will allow for evolution as well as progression. That will also require smart work in the transfer market in what is a massive job ahead for the manager.