If you were Mikel Arteta, would you consider starting Raheem Sterling against his former club, Manchester City? Over the past few months, Gabriel Martinelli has not been at his best in front of goal.
The Brazilian excels in many areas but falls short of fulfilling the essential duties of a forward. In an attacking role, we expect him to score goals or at least provide assists, but he fails to meet these expectations. As Martinelli faces challenges, the pressure on Arteta to improve the left wing position mounts. Focus has shifted from Leandro Trossard, who has secured a spot in the lineup during Odegaard’s absence, to calls for Raheem Sterling to receive an opportunity at left wing.
If there’s a game where starting Sterling, the Englishman, on the left wing could be an intriguing gamble, it’s this Manchester versus Arsenal match. The winger, who boosted an impressive tally of 131 goals and 73 assists in 339 games for Manchester City, has also posed a challenge for the Citizens.
Last season with Chelsea, he found the net both at home and away against Manchester City, contributing to the Blues’ unbeaten record against the reigning champions. Given his motivation to show the Citizens they were wrong, and of course his previous season’s performance against them, wouldn’t it make sense for Arteta to use him as a strategic advantage against his former teammates?
Daniel O
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He should definitely start, something is wrong with Martinneli
Matinelli needs to know at least this season that his spot in the squad isn’t assured. He is yet to gain form but I think Arteta would still stick with him because of his defensive abilities. Sterling can still have some minutes in the game may be 25/30 minutes
Nope
He’ll do whatever he wants to do from the bench
Let give sterling chance to start the game, may be he can hurt his old club . If I am Arteta I will start him, instead of matinelli, but matinelli is good in defending from the left frank.
Sterling’s on the bench again.