FREEDOM OF PEACH
Joe: Boss has let me off the leash to score beauties like my Easter Road cracker
A ONE-TO-ONE with Steven Gerrard convinced Joe Aribo his season was about to come good again.
Modesty forbids the midfielder from telling of his growing influence on the Rangers side.
But Aribo insists he still has even more to give now he has been taken off the leash in the engine-room.
The 23-year-old was a standout on Friday against Hibs as Gers put in one of their best displays this term.
He had a crucial hand in Ryan Kent’s opener then scored the second in the Light Blues’ 3-0 win.
It was his sixth goal of the season but his first in six weeks. Aribo scored his first four within a month of his arrival from Charlton in the summer in a cut-price deal.
But the kid from Croydon admits his form hit a dip in the autumn as he struggled to cope with an information overload from coaches and life in a new environment after moving away from home for the first time.
But he has come good again at the right time as Gers prepare to host Kilmarnock on Boxing Day before the Old Firm clash at Parkhead on Sunday.
Gerrard told last week how Aribo had been given permission to rip up the rulebook and play what he sees – and the Nigeria cap is revelling in the new-found freedom.
He said: “I would say that at first, if I was told something or given an instruction, I’d listen too much to the instruction.
“Recently, the manager has just been saying to me, ‘Play free, go and do what you want to do.’ I can break the rules basically. It has taken a bit off my shoulders. I can just go out and express myself on the pitch.
“It’s fair to say my form dipped for a period recently. I knew I hadn’t been performing to the level I’m capable of achieving.
“The manager told me that it was inevitable as I was away from home for the first time.
“The biggest thing I needed to help me push on was knowing I had the backing of my manager. That chat has helped me to move forward and now I am reaping the rewards.
“I don’t want to talk too highly of myself. As the season goes on, people can judge me. However, I would say there is more to come.”
Aribo’s vision and ability to slide a pass to unlock even the stingiest of defences has been a feature this season, at home and abroad.
He has been pushed further forward in a threeman attack, supported on the right by Scott Arfield, whose energy and industry has been an asset for Rangers in both penalty boxes.
Aribo is no slouch either and it was his high press on Ofir Marciano that forced the Hibs keeper into the error that allowed Kent to net the opener.
He combined brilliantly with Ryan Jack for the second just five minutes later then saw Jermain Defoe seal it.
Aribo added: “The manager stresses to us the need to chase down every ball. He says we have to go and press, rush the opponent, not to let them be comfortable in possession.
“We have to keep pressing and make it harder for them, more uncomfortable.
“That was the game plan, to get in their faces and not allow them to get into the rhythm of things.
“The boys are buzzing with the Hibs result. It’s always good for the front three to be scoring goals.
“Razzer’s opener was just wonderful technique and the way JD cut inside for the third was a bit of class.
“It shows we don’t only have to rely on Alfredo Morelos for goals. We know we can all step up when it’s required on the pitch.”
The only disappointment for Aribo was more loutish behaviour from Hibs fans in the East Stand.
He was targeted as he celebrated his goal before an idiot threw a half bottle of vodka at Borna Barisic. Missiles were also thrown at Defoe and Aribo said: “That is not what you want to see.”
Aribo is determined Gers’ title challenge won’t be undermined in the next six days before the winter shutdown, with the players heading to Dubai to train.
He said: “It is a massive week and we want the results we need to keep moving forward. I didn’t know it when I came here but I know now we have to win every single game.”