Scott Arfield scored his sixth goal of 2020 last night as Rangers beat Livingston 1-0 in the league. The Canadian’s influence on the match was a massive one, with his lone goal being the deciding factor in the match, earning his side three points.
Arfield’s goal came just three minutes after Steven Gerrard substituted Ryan Kent off for Florian Kamberi in the 56th minute.
When Rangers’ Twitter account announced the substitution, fans were shocked. It wasn’t the personnel change that shocked them, however, but instead the timing of the substitution. They were pleasantly surprised at how quickly Gerrard was making his first change.
A SUB BEFORE 80 MINUTES ITS A MIRACLE
— Kyle ? (@SLIMBOYF4T) February 16, 2020
No way,a sub on before it’s too late. It’s a miracle
— mark sorbie (@mark_sorbie) February 16, 2020
Before the 80th minute pic.twitter.com/14uAyIFsWi
— Fayez Akram (@Fayezakram10) February 16, 2020
Somebody hold me. He’s made a sub before the 80th minute
— ???? (@LiamWATP) February 16, 2020
Would Rangers have won without Gerrard's early sub?
Yes
No
After the match one fan praised the influence that Kamberi had on the match, explaining that Gerrard’s subs will have a greater impact if they are given more time on the field.
Arfield motm. Kamberi made a difference when he came on, just shows what subs can do when they are given more than 9 mins. I wish they would stop playing hagi on the wing. They said they had been watching him for some time but play him out with his natural position. Just a waste
— John Greig (@JohnGr1872) February 16, 2020
See what happens Stevie when you make a change in plenty of time! A goal. Subs change dynamics of the game and we should never be scared to change it early.
— pop 15 (@Gazzacusgxo) February 16, 2020
What do we think?
Gerrard has become known for his late an ineffective substitutions at Rangers, it appears. During the side’s loss to Kilmarnock last week, Gerrard’s changes came in the 82nd and 86th minute.