Raheem Sterling’s dramatic change to Arsenal was one of many standout tales of deadline day – however in a window by which critics known as on the Gunners to signal a striker, will the incoming Chelsea winger make the distinction for Mikel Arteta’s males this season?
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca might “prefer different kinds of wingers” however Sterling can be enjoying below an admirer at Arsenal. Arteta was hanging along with his effusive reward for the participant final week, calling his time teaching Sterling at Man Metropolis “exceptional”.
“We built a really strong relationship together,” he added.
At that time a transfer to Arsenal appeared unlikely. Crystal Palace have been being reported as an get together, whereas a swap take care of Manchester United for Jadon Sancho was mooted. However with Gabriel Jesus since choosing up an damage and Arteta admitting he was brief in ahead areas, Arsenal have moved on the chance.
For Sterling, the change is a transparent improve in his circumstances: from outcast at Chelsea to outstanding participant at a Premier League title challenger.
And there may be proof to counsel Sterling can have a major affect in north London, too.
Along with his 4 Premier League titles and 82 England caps, Sterling provides much more big-match expertise to this squad. Been there, seen it, achieved it. Sterling’s data and know-how on the enterprise finish of the season may also help information his team-mates in the direction of glory.
The messaging from Sterling’s camp is that he stays as hungry as ever so as to add to his checklist of honours. He additionally harbours hopes of returning to the England fold. That drive and dedication is coupled with the truth that tactically Sterling fits Arteta’s fashion. It looks like a successful components.
Sterling loved the best years of his profession throughout Arteta’s time at Metropolis (2016-2019), the place he turned himself right into a penalty-box poacher, timing his runs in from the flanks to feast on the cutbacks from Metropolis’s huge gamers.
Final season, Arsenal made extra cutbacks than another Premier League group. Count on Sterling to go in search of these late darts into the six-yard field…
Exposing full-backs in one-on-one conditions is one other hallmark of Arteta’s method. Sterling, high for dribbles at Chelsea final season, will relish these showdowns, too.
Sterling might swiftly change into a starter on the left, with Gabriel Martinelli – who Sterling topped for objective involvements final season – inconsistent and Leandro Trossard to date proven to be higher off the bench.
However he might additionally assist to lighten the load on Bukayo Saka on the appropriate or present a false 9 various by way of the center. That adaptability is an actual asset.
With Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson it all the time appeared there was a reluctance from Arteta to make use of his choices on this space of the pitch. Smith Rowe was handed simply three Premier League begins final time period, for Nelson there was only one. Count on Arteta to place much more religion in Sterling, who provides Arsenal power in depth throughout the entrance line.
Within the context of Eddie Nketiah being bought to Crystal Palace on deadline day, some sceptics will level out Sterling just isn’t the killer No 9 Arsenal are seemingly missing.
However with Kai Havertz – 17 objective involvements in 15 video games as a striker for Arsenal – Jesus, Trossard and now Sterling as choices up high, Arsenal nonetheless have loads of firepower. They did, in spite of everything, rating 91 targets final season.
Having signed a goalkeeper, defender and midfielder this summer time they completed the window by including a ahead. Now it’s time to discover out whether or not these incomings and Arteta’s reunion with Sterling can be sufficient to topple Man Metropolis…
