Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side prevailed on Wednesday night in their latest Scottish Premiership clash to maintain their pressure on the top of the table.
However, it seems Joe Aribo did not impress as the Gers edged a narrow 1-0 victory against St Johnstone thanks to a Glen Kamara goal.
Does Aribo need some time on the bench?
Yes
No
The 25-year-old was making his 27th appearance of the season in the Scottish Premiership where he has been able to score seven goals and provide five assists (via Transfermarkt).
But his display at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday was definitely one of his finest having found himself losing the ball 23 times over the 90 minutes of action (via SofaScore).
And this was evident from Joshua Barrie’s player ratings for Rangers Review as the Nigerian midfielder was awarded just a 5/10 as he shared his frustrations:
“Hasn’t quite looked himself since returning from AFCON. Likely needing a rest but without many options, that hasn’t been forthcoming,” Barrie wrote.
“A couple of runs over the top were nearly found and twice the Nigerian was cynically scythed down having outplayed his man. As the game wore on Aribo looked completely exhausted.”
TIF Thoughts on Barrie’s assessment…
It was definitely not Aribo’s best performance offensively having failed to complete a single dribble in the game as well as failing to land any of his crosses or long passes (via SofaScore).
However, as Barries suggests, perhaps the 25-year-old is feeling the effects of a busy schedule and his recent trip away on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations.
But with the Gers chasing the Scottish crown, it is understandable why Van Bronckhorst is persisting with Aribo given he has been a good source of goals over the season.
In other news: ‘Beast mode’ – Steven Davis blown away by Rangers teammate