Cameron Smith
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24
© IMAGO
Mikel Arteta has accepted responsibility for Raheem Sterling’s underwhelming start to life at Arsenal.
The former England international joined the Gunners on loan from Chelsea in August, but he has struggled for game time amid competition from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Sterling has racked up less than 400 minutes of action across all competitions so far this campaign and he was recently labelled as “one of the flops of the season” by ex-Liverpool forward Stan Collymore.
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However, Arteta has insisted that he is at fault for Sterling’s current woes at the Emirates Stadium.
“I would like to see him more to be fair and this is down to me. He’s trying his best,” Arteta said following Arsenal’s 5-2 win over West Ham United on Saturday.
“His application and commitment around the team has been exceptional and now it’s time for me to find him more minutes.”
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When asked whether Sterling would be rewarded with more game time over the festive period, Arteta admitted: “That’s the intention.
“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.”
Mikel Arteta with Raheem Sterling
© IMAGO - Mikel Arteta with Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling at Arsenal
Sterling has only started four games since joining Arsenal on a season-long loan deal and he has already been an unused substitute on six occasions so far this term.
The former Manchester City winger has one goal and two assists in 10 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, and reports indicate that Arsenal are unlikely to sign him on a permanent deal when his loan expires in 2025.
However, Sterling is still expected to leave Chelsea next summer, having been forced out by new head coach Enzo Maresca following the Italian’s arrival at Stamford Bridge.