An evening to forget for the returning Scott Arfield at half-time in Kilmarnock vs Rangers
It had been a dreadful and difficult half for Rangers, going a goal down yet again in just six minutes against a lively Kilmarnock side before Alfredo Morelos equalised midway through the first half.
The home side enjoyed an impressive start to the half showing bags of energy and endeavour, causing havoc from corners which Rangers failed to deal with.
And Kilmarnock eventually found themselves ahead from a corner, with Stokes rising high to head home after John McLaughlin was found in no-mans land.
The Kilmarnock attack had been lively and inventive, and their most dangerous outlet in Danny Armstrong was running rings around Borna Barisic.
Despite the home side enjoying a spell of pressure, Michael Beale’s men grabbed a much-needed equaliser through Alfredo Morelos after good work from Fashion Sakala on the right flank.
However, it’s been a tough night for Scott Arfield, who returned from injury for this game in place of Malik Tillman. And Beale may well be regretting starting the veteran, considering his uneventful half.
The 34-year-old may well have returned from injury too soon. He failed to muster up any creative invention for his forwards, and hardly had a kick of what’s been lacklustre first half for Beale’s men.
Arfield just mustered 20 touches, registered no key passes despite his advanced position in midfield and successfully just over 50% of his passes, which makes for worrying reading for both the player and Beale. He’s not the only one too, with Glen Kamara also failing to impress on his return to the XI.
The former Queens Park Rangers manager may have to ring the changes at halftime if they are to coast to victory, especially with Celtic triumphing over St Mirren at the time of writing.
If Rangers are to keep the heat on their Old Firm rivals tonight, the quality of Malik Tillman from the bench may just the tonic the Light Blues need to turn this poor performance around.
In other Rangers news, club want to sign this South American ace who’s playing in Europe.