Even at 1-0 down, Mikel Arteta won't put his trust in Raheem Sterling... the next few weeks could make or break his Arsenal career, writes ISAAN KHAN
- Sterling joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea and has made eight appearances, with limited league starts.
- Arteta's earlier optimism about Sterling's impact has dimmed as he has fallen down the team's pecking order and has only been utilized in a few matches.
- Despite his struggles, statistical contributions indicate Sterling still possesses the ability to impact games, leading some to suggest his potential role as an England call-up.
Raheem Sterling's transition to Arsenal on loan from Chelsea on August 31 has been less than smooth. Initially seen as a player that could enhance Arsenal’s performance, Sterling’s involvement has been significantly limited, with only eight total appearances, two of which were starts in league matches. His current position in the squad raises questions about his fit within Mikel Arteta's tactical setup, especially considering the manager's previous experience with him at Manchester City. Arteta had expressed confidence in Sterling's hunger and potential to improve the team's dynamic, yet disappointments with his usage point to potential issues with both player confidence and strategic alignment. Sterling's lack of game time reflects deeper team dynamics and competitive positioning within the squad, with Arsenal’s other attackers firmly established and performing well. Interestingly, Sterling has been played in multiple positions without finding a consistent role, which complicates his integration into the side. Despite only being on loan and facing these challenges, his statistics reveal a different narrative, as he leads various offensive metrics within the Arsenal squad. The team's strategic approach may require reassessment to leverage Sterling’s capabilities effectively. Ultimately, while the situation is challenging for Sterling, there remains hope that his statistical contributions could revive his career at Arsenal and possibly lead him back to national team consideration.