Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC
Mikel Arteta has shouldered the blame for Raheem Sterling's Arsenal form and suggested he needs to provide the loanee with more minutes.
Sterling arrived at the Emirates on transfer deadline day in August from Chelsea. The former Manchester City winger has struggled to threaten Arteta's starting lineup with almost half of his minutes coming in the Carabao Cup.
The 29-year-old was utilised from the bench against West Ham and has thus far earned just a single start in the Premier League. Sterling's lack of impact overall has seen Stan Collymore label him among the flops of the season.
"Raheem Sterling has been a massive disappointment," former Nottingham Forest forward Collymore told Metro. "He came in and said he was going to give the club his best work, but that hasn’t happened.
[
Gabriel makes fun of Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal double down on greatest strength](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/gabriel-celebration-arsenal-goals-westham-34223699)
‘"He’s arguably stunk the place out so far and he’s definitely one of the flops of the season having promised to do his best work at Arsenal. He’s an experienced player who has won everything there is to win, he was expected to push the dressing room up another level and he hasn’t done that."
However, speaking ahead of the Gunners dramatic victory over West Ham, Arteta pointed the finger in his own direction when it came to Sterling. The Spaniard noted that the player was producing the required application in training, and it was down to him to now provide the player with more time on the pitch.
"I would like to see him more to be fair and this is down to me," Arteta added. "He’s trying his best."
Did you expect more from Raheem Sterling? Have your say in the comments section
Raheem Sterling of Arsenal
Raheem Sterling of Arsenal ( Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC)
"His application and commitment around the team has been exceptional and now it’s time for me to give I’m more minutes," Arsenal's manager continued. Arteta was asked whether Sterling would receive more opportunities in the coming weeks. "That’s the intention," he said.
"That’s why I put him on against Forest, that’s why I wanted to put him on against Sporting, now getting into that rhythm because he can really impact the team as well."
However, Sterling played just 16 minutes at the weekend and failed to make an impact for the Gunners. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka once again got on the scoresheet while producing assists, and Leandro Trossard also helped the North London side on the way to their 5-2 win.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.