Joe Aribo Misses Gets Assist In Rangers’ Victory Over Saint Mirren

Glasgow Rangers of Scotland midfielder, Joe Aribo got an asist for The Gers, but it came on a night his overall performance was questioned, though his side still romped to victory over Saint Mirren, megasportsarena.com reports.

Although The Gers’ coach, Giovanni van Bronckhorst played down the scenario and even joked about it, observers of the Scottish Premiership noticed Aribo’s tepid display, which a technical report adduced to a deeper role the lad was asked to play by the gaffer.

Heading into Sunday’s game, Aribo had consistently been Rangers’ most influential player since Van Bronckhorst took over from Steven Gerrard, as the Super Eagles’ star has three goals and an assist in seven league outings.

However, with the former Charlton Athletic of England ace failing to hit a major highpoint against St. Mirren, a section of the sporting press took up the matter with van Bronckhorst but the gaffer, who has had a successful first month at Ibrox Stadium, played down the matter.

While playing under the Dutchman, Aribo and his colleagues have gone nine games unbeaten across all competitions, but the Eagles’ midfield dazzler appeared lost in the 2-0 win over St Mirren on Boxing Day.

That came after van Bronckhorst made three changes from the team that faced Dundee United eight days earlier, one of which saw Aribo return deep into middle of the park, while AFCON-absentee, Calvin Ugbegbulam Bassey continued in place of recuperating Leon Aderemi Balogun in central defence.

Nonetheless, Aribo did play a part in his side’s first goal, as his flick-on from a set-piece was forced in by Wright to give the home team an early breakthrough, with Scott Wright’s header opening scores in the 14th minute and Alfredo Morelos made it two in the 26th.

A report by goal.com noted that Aribo is now up to three assists for the season, one behind last term’s tally of four, as the Super Eagles star continues boosting his club’s scoring data in the unfolding season.

“Aribo had shown a knack for scoring since Giovanni van Bronckhorst took the reins at Rangers in November, scoring three times in the Premiership since the Dutchman took charge.

“In the Gers’ 2-0 success over St. Mirren, though, the midfielder produced his first assist under the new man, setting up Scott Wright’s strike to open the scoring for the hosts,” the report concluded.