Ben Wild

Sat 3 October 2020 19:30, UK

Scott Arfield turned in a performance of the highest quality when Rangers defeated Galatasaray on Thursday night.

Arfield scored the Gers’ first of the evening in the 2-1 win at Ibrox, securing a place in the Europa League group stage as a result.

The Canadian international has arguably been an unsung hero at Ibrox this season, having put in several solid performances both in Europe and in the Scottish Premiership.

But Thursday night showed Arfield at his best, and the stats show just how well he played.

He took his goal very well, scoring past Ozturk in the Galatasaray net with the outside of his boot, following a brilliant attacking run which evaded the Turkish side’s defenders.

Against Galatasaray, Arfield managed an 84% pass accuracy, and an 87% forward passing accuracy, as per Wyscout – the latter of which was higher than his season average.

That figure showed that he was instrumental in feeding the Gers’ attackers against a very good side.

Going forward he made two progressive runs, more than his season average of 0.63 progressive runs per 90 minutes.

Arfield also registered five touches in the penalty box – again, more than his season average.

But his stellar work wasn’t just on the front.

The 31-year-old won 100% of his aerial duels against the Turkish side, and as well as 86% of his total defensive duels, showing his influence as a defensive force too.

He also made 7 interceptions, considerably more than his season average of 4.31 interceptions per match.

Pleasingly, all of those came in his own half too.

Arfield started the season on the bench, but his strike against Galatasaray was his sixth goal involvement – three goals, three assists – in his last four matches.

The purple patch that he is currently mining could hardly be richer, and if he keeps this up, he will be a vital asset in the Gers’ push for silverware.

In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Europa hero axed as Gerrard makes big change – Predicted Gers XI v Ross County.