Raheem Sterling’s dramatic move to Arsenal was one of the biggest stories on deadline day – but in a window where critics are calling for the Gunners to sign a striker, will the incoming Chelsea winger make a difference to Mikel Arteta’s men this season?
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca may “prefer more wing variety” but Sterling will play under his Arsenal admirer. Arteta lavished praise on the player last week, calling Sterling’s spell at Man City “incredible”.
“We built a very strong relationship,” he said.
At the time, a move to Arsenal seemed unlikely. Crystal Palace are reported to be interested parties, while a swap deal with Manchester United for Jadon Sancho is underway. But with Gabriel Jesus out injured and Arteta admitting they are short in the forward area, Arsenal have seized the opportunity.
For Sterling, the change is a clear improvement in his situation: from an outcast at Chelsea to a key player in the Premier League title challengers.
And there is evidence to suggest Sterling could have a significant impact on north London, too.
With four Premier League titles and 82 caps in England, Sterling adds even more game experience to this squad. Been there, seen it, done it. Sterling’s knowledge and understanding of the business end of the season can lead his teammates to greatness.
The message from Sterling’s camp is that he remains as hungry as ever to add to his list of accolades. He also hopes to return to England. That drive and determination is compounded by the fact that Sterling tactically matches Arteta’s style. It feels like a winning formula.
Sterling enjoyed the most productive years of his career under Arteta at City (2016-2019), where he became a penalty-box hunter, with time running from the flanks to enjoy cuts from City players.
Last season, Arsenal made more cuts than any other Premier League team. Expect Sterling to find the final darts into the six yard box…
Opening up the back end in one-on-one situations is a hallmark of Arteta’s approach. Sterling, who was excellent off the dribble at Chelsea last season, will also be relishing the match.
Sterling could quickly become a starter on the left, with Gabriel Martinelli – whom Sterling topped for goal involvement last season – inconsistent and Leandro Trossard so far looking better off the bench.
Sterling played up front for Chelsea last season but mainly started on the left side of the attack
But he can also help ease Bukayo Saka’s load on the right or provide a false nine alternative through the middle. That adaptability is a real asset.
With Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson, of course Arteta is reluctant to use his options in this field. Smith Rowe has only been given three Premier League titles since last season, while Nelson has just one. Hopefully Arteta has more faith in Sterling, who gives Arsenal strength in the front line.
In the context of Eddie Nketiah being sold to Crystal Palace on deadline day, some skeptics will point out that Sterling is not the assassin Arsenal’s number 9 appears to be.
But with Kai Havertz – 17 goal involvements in 15 games as Arsenal’s striker – Jesus, Trossard and now Sterling as options up top, Arsenal still have plenty of firepower. After all, he scored 91 goals last season.
After signing goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders this summer, they completed the window by adding strikers. Now it’s time to find out what goes into it and will Arteta’s reunion with Sterling be enough to topple Man City…
