The forward bundled in from a corner when the ball fell loose to get the Gers on their way and it was another set-piece which handed Connor Goldson’s his 90th minute winner, following a Kilmarnock equaliser late on.
Arfield admits the Light Blues have been targeting more goals from dead balls situations, particularly against sides who sit in against Steven Gerrard’s men.
Speaking to RangersTV the Canada captain said: “It has been (deliberate to target set-pieces), that’s what we spoke about last year, to be more of a threat, to concede less and to score more.
“First half predominantly the whole game was in their half which we wanted to do, move the ball quickly.
“Second half it gets a bit stretched and we are disappointed with that but that but the overall emotion is big Connor’s header at the end.
“To get three points at a place like this was what we wanted at the start so we have to be happy with it.
“We were on the wrong side of it (scoring late goals) too many times last year, which is where we don’t want to be. You can see from the fans’ reaction today that we are at it and we are going to continue to be at it.
“There are going to be ups and downs throughout the season but when you have moment’s like that with Connor’s header then that is what you need to appreciate and you need to enjoy those moments.
“Big Niko makes a header, keeper saves it and it’s as easy as just putting it in so on a personal level it’s nice to get off the mark so early and hopefully they keep coming.”
Arfield and Rangers now travel to Denmark on Thursday to begin their third round Europa League qualifier against FC Midtjylland.
The Gers opponents finished second in the Danish Superliga last season and Arfield is expecting a tough test.
He continued: “From the last team it is going to be a big jump up in terms of technical ability and physicality. But it’s one we are looking forward to; it is another challenge for us after the experience that we gained last year.