Scott Arfield appears to claim this Gerrard's decision against Rapid Vienna cost Rangers - originally posted on Sportslens.com
Rangers crashed out of the Europa League following a 1-0 loss at the hands of Rapid Vienna on Thursday night, as their return of a victory, three draws and two losses in group G was only enough for a third-place finish in the standing.
The Light Blues kicked off their European campaign on an impressive note, going 11 games unbeaten and setting a club record in the process.
Nevertheless, a shaky end which saw the Gers lose two and draw one of their last three games cost them a great deal, and the late goal conceded against Vienna sent them crashing out.
“We lost a man in the middle of the park when Kyle Lafferty came on to try and get us a goal,” Arfield told The Scottish Sun post-game.
“Up until then we had put all the fires out in the middle of the park. But when we sacrificed Ryan Jack they caught us on the counter-attack.
“I still think the game plan was correct. We just could not find that elusive goal.”
Jack was withdrawn 11 minutes from time as Rangers sought a goal, but it proved costly as the hosts capitalized on his absence and eventually got the needed opener that was enough to send them through to the last-32.
Gerrard will surely learn a thing or two after his tactical gamble backfired, and he can only get better going forward in making such crucial decisions during subsequent games.
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