Ex-Arsenal star berates Aribo over dip in form

The Super Eagles star was one of the best players in the Scottish Premiership, but since he returned from international duty, he has been unable to reach his previous heights

Former Arsenal star Charlie Nicholas has berated Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo for his dip in form since he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles star was one of the best players in Scotland, especially after Giovanni Van Bronckhorst replaced Steven Gerrard at the helms of affairs of the club.

Prior to the AFCON, the 25-year-old had six goals and five assists in 32 appearances. But since his return, he has found the net only once and assisted three times in ten appearances.

His dip in form has also coincided with a poor Rangers run. The Gers, who are in a title dogfight with rivals Celtic, have dropped eight of a possible 24 points in their last eight Premiership games.

Nicholas, who made his name playing in Celtic colours, believes Aribo should do better, especially at this crucial point of the season.

“Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side deservedly won plenty of plaudits for seeing off Borussia Dortmund in the last round,” Nicholas told the Daily Express.

“They now face Red Star at Ibrox in the first leg, and there is no doubt expectation levels have been cranked up again.

“I can see Kent and Alfredo Morelos both having an appetite for this game, but I do think it is time Rangers got a performance out of Joe Aribo again because he hasn’t kicked his own backside since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in late January.

“Up to that point, he had been the player of the season, but that is now up for debate.”

The Gers sit second behind Celtic with three points separating the two in the Scottish Premiership.