Rangers seem to have found a way to beat the low block that was so troublesome last season. A 5-0 demolition against Aberdeen on Saturday added to victories over St Johnstone, Kilmarnock, Livingston and St Mirren would point to a turning of the tide.
Each victory has been won in contrasting style, one with a set-piece, one with a last minute header and at the weekend, as comprehensive and one-sided a display as Ibrox has ever seen.
Over the last couple of seasons, since Steven Gerrard took over, there has been much talk about the Rangers midfield and the personnel who occupy the three spaces that he prefers to deploy. Steven Davis and Ryan Jack appear to be nailed on, first choice starters with the absence of Joe Aribo creating a vacancy.
Scott Arfield has been playing as an inside forward this season and with Ryan Kent’s injury, his leadership and movement has been key. Gerrard decided to play Arfield in a deeper role for one obvious reason, Rangers were going to dominate possession and Aberdeen would play with a low block, he didn’t need two defensive midfielders. What he needed was creativity, clever movement and game intelligence that Arfield has in abundance.
Rangers fans and indeed Gerrard, always felt that a “number 10” would be the key in opening tight defences but Arfield showed against Aberdeen that clever link up play and combinations starting from deep are just as important.
Arfield has been unlucky this season, in his last few games he has forced great saves, hit the woodwork and had a goal bound effort blocked on the line against the Pittodrie side. His performances have been better than his 2 goals and 1 assist would suggest.
Gerrard is learning on the job, he struggled to adapt to breaking down the low block last season but has now found a system that works. Arfield will continue to support Alfredo Morelos in attack but expect him to play a deeper role in games against ultra defensive sides. When there is restricted space, players like Arfield are essential in opening up stuffy defences, he could just be the man with the key to open the door to 55.