Raheem Sterling’s dramatic transfer to Arsenal was one of many greatest headlines on deadline day – however in a window the place critics are calling for the Gunners to signal a striker, the incoming Chelsea winger will give Will Mikel Arteta’s facet make a distinction this season?
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca would possibly “want a special kind of winger” however Sterling will play below an admirer at Arsenal. Arteta was beautiful in his glowing reward for Sterling final week, describing his time at Manchester Metropolis as supervisor of Sterling as “extraordinary”.
“Collectively we’ve a really robust relationship,” he added.
A transfer to Arsenal appeared unlikely at the moment. Crystal Palace are reportedly an celebration, whereas a swap cope with Manchester United for Jadon Sancho can be below dialogue. However since Gabriel Jesus’ damage and Arteta admitting his inadequacy in ahead areas, Arsenal have seized the chance.
For Sterling, the transformation is a transparent improve in his state of affairs: from Chelsea outcast to standout participant amongst Premier League title challengers.
There’s proof Sterling might have a huge impact in north London too.
With 4 Premier League titles and 82 caps for the England nationwide group, Sterling provides extra essential sport expertise to the group. Been there, seen it, completed it. Sterling’s data and abilities on the finish of the season may also help information his teammates to glory.
The message from Sterling’s camp is that he’s nonetheless as eager as ever so as to add to his checklist of honours. He additionally harbors hopes of returning to the England squad. This drive and dedication is mixed with the truth that Sterling tactically fits Arteta’s fashion. This looks like a profitable method.
Sterling loved the most efficient years of his profession throughout Mikel Arteta’s time at Manchester Metropolis (2016-2019), the place he turned himself right into a box-poacher, operating down the flanks to get pleasure from Metropolis Chopping in from huge gamers.
Arsenal made extra cuts than another Premier League group final season. Anticipate Sterling to go in search of these last darts into the six-yard field…
Exposing full-backs in one-on-one conditions is one other characteristic of Arteta’s method. Sterling was the participant who dribbled probably the most at Chelsea final season and can get pleasure from these duels too.
Sterling might quickly begin on the left, with Gabriel Martinelli (Sterling’s prime scorer final season) inconsistent and Leandro Trossard arriving Higher off the bench thus far.
Sterling performed in Chelsea’s frontline final season however primarily began on the left facet of the assault
However he might additionally assist take the load off Bukayo Saka on the appropriate or present a false 9 various within the centre. This adaptability is an actual asset.
Arteta has all the time appeared reluctant to make use of his choices on this space of the pitch, each within the case of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson. Smith Rowe began simply three video games within the Premier League final season, whereas Nelson had only one. Arteta is predicted to place extra religion in Sterling, who gives Arsenal’s frontline depth.
Within the context of Aideen Ketiah being offered to Crystal Palace on deadline day, some skeptics will level out that Sterling isn’t the killer No.9 Arsenal appear to be missing.
However with Kai Havertz – 17 targets in 15 video games as Arsenal’s striker – Jesus, Trossard and now Sterling as beginning choices, Arsenal stay Has loads of firepower. In spite of everything, they did rating 91 targets final season.
They signed a goalkeeper, defender and midfielder this summer season and accomplished the switch window by including a ahead. Now it is time to see if these additions and Arteta’s reunion with Sterling are sufficient to topple Manchester Metropolis…
