Raheem Sterling remained on the bench for the entirety of Arsenal’s match against Manchester United, raising further doubts about his role in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
The Chelsea loanee, a highly experienced player, might have been expected to come on as a substitute in the second half, particularly in a match where Arsenal needed attacking inspiration. However, Arteta opted against using him, a decision that speaks volumes about the manager’s current stance on the Englishman.
Sterling was widely regarded as one of the top players in the Premier League during his time at Manchester City. However, his loan move to Arsenal has not gone as planned, and it now appears to be a transfer the club regrets. Despite his pedigree, he has struggled to make an impact, and Arteta has continued to leave him out of his plans.
Following his omission from the match against United, Paul Merson suggested that Sterling’s time at Arsenal may effectively be over. As quoted on Sky Sports, Merson remarked:
“He (Sterling) was probably sat there wondering if he’ll ever play again for Arsenal.”
When Arsenal secured Sterling’s loan from Chelsea, there were high expectations, particularly as Arteta had convinced supporters that the winger still had plenty to contribute. However, his continued absence from the team suggests otherwise.
Moving forward, it is hoped that Arteta has learned from this experience and will be more selective when considering players from rival clubs, particularly those who are no longer at their peak. Arsenal are an ambitious club and should focus on signing players who remain influential and important at their current teams, rather than taking risks on players struggling for form elsewhere.
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
It wasn’t surprising that Arteta subbed Tierney on at left wing instead of Sterling as he’s a far better winger than Sterling. It begs the question though why he’s even on the bench if there is intention of him being played? Anyway, yes I think he’s played his last game for us.
Tierney put one of the best crosses of the game into Odergaard who fluffed his lines again. Left foot, left wing and doesn’t hardly use our best LB.
Sterling should’ve been long kept out of the bench but it’s better late than never
Sterling should not have played his first.
One of the worst signings of all time.
Saw the sense in it in August but sadly it has failed badly
Maybe that’s EXACTLY how MA sees it as well Neath Gunner?
Exactly the same way he saw Runar, Cedric, Marri, Kiwor, Zinny, Tavares, Sambi, Fabio, Kai, Willian, Gabby J. Indeed a talent spotter and coach. No wonder 800M spent to win the preseason Emirates Cup. Applause Applause.
Don’t overlook Edu’s input on any of those transfers in.
And Jax, Sanhelli had his share of influence during his time at Arsenal. Mari and Soares were meant to be short term loans that miraculously became permanent due to his friendship with particular agents.
I think Sanhelli was a crook, Sue.
👍
Sue, Amy Lawrence thinks Berta is more Sanhelli than Edu, but in the straightforward, no nonsense way that he gets things done.
Agree, Mikel did nothing wrong, everything that is bad on the pitch is due to the owners, or Edu and shocked to read about Sanhelli. Next who? Gazdis and Vinay? Or the tea lady? Or Gunnersaurous? Lets blame everyone for Butler not getting gametime. Emery was blamed for Pepe, but Mikel cannot be touched for any of his signings. What a fair world Arsenal fans live in. Or maybe we did not win at Old Trafford as “Win” was not allowed in?
🙄🙄🙄. Not looking to exonerate Arteta completely, just pointing out that he’s not entirely responsible for transfers, but you already knew that didn ‘t you?
Jax, Arteta is responsible 100% for a few. Vierra, Sterling, Haverz (after he found out Mount wasn’t available) Jesus, Odergaard and Rice were all Artetas choices.
Yeah, I’m sure they were all Arteta’s choices, but Edu had to approve them and even then Richard Garlick had to rubber stamp the transfers.
I’m reading on the Athletic that incoming Sporting Director Berta may have some problems with transfer dealings already in process but uncompleted by Jason Ayto..
Oh i forgot Merino.
I also would say Raya but he was recommended by our Goalkeeper coach, after he gaffed recommending Runnarson.
Did I suggest that Arteta is without fault?
I pointed out that Mari and Cedric were Sanhelli’s signings as at the time, Arteta was the coach and not the manager
It looks obvious that TSRS is just jumping on the hate Arteta waggon Sue, or perhaps he’s the driver.
I just don’t know what it all achieves other than destabilising the players and the club in general, Jax
If we were languishing like Spurs and Utd then I’d be piling in, but we’re not
I do not hate any person, just dislike the stubbornness / arrogance of the manager rather then being humble and evolving. Marri and Cedric were retained with the knowledge of the coach. I’m one of those critics who does congratulate him when he wins as much as I critique when he doesn’t.
If Mari and Cedric were retained with Arteta’s input, why did you mention that Emery got the blame for Pepe? He must have had similar input but that generally gets glossed over. Why couldn’t you accept the spirit in which I wrote my post? It was trying to be accurate about 2 of the signings you mentioned. No more and no less
Sterling was a well intentioned short term loan signing but at our level we can’t afford such sentimentality. Sterling has played his last game,not only for us but any Premier Leauge club.
Truthis despite homework and stats all transfers are dependant on so much more than talent. Some players just don’t gel at a club for a myriad of reasons and then go elsewhere and shine. Sadly, Sterling wasn’t one of them.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sterling play tonight against PSV.
I hope so Jax. He could really use a good performance for his confidence if nothing else.
I dont think anyone expected him to be this poor. It was a low stakes loan at least but we really are better off with KT as a sub. A player who hasn’t been appreciated enough by Mikel before anyways.