One Mikel Arteta decision in Arsenal defeat to Newcastle shows why the transfer window was a failure

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Arsenal made three key signings in the summer transfer window, and were content with their business in September, but questions are now being raised.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar recruited Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling, with the latter arriving on loan on deadline day.

Sterling joined with Chelsea paying over half his wages, whilst Reiss Nelson was loaned to Fulham at the same time.

At the time, this was seen as a masterclass, but Sterling has failed to make an impact so far, whilst Nelson has impressed at Fulham.

With Arsenal needing more going forward against Newcastle, Sterling appeared to be an obvious substitution, but Arteta did not see it this way.

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Raheem Sterling left on the bench as Arsenal lost to Newcastle

Arteta made five substitutions as Arsenal lost to Newcastle, with Ben White, Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ethan Nwaneri all coming on.

This meant that two full-backs and a defensive midfielder were introduced to the game, with Arsenal chasing a lead, and a reliable attacker could have been a more useful addition.

Sterling has hundreds of goals under his belt, and he was recruited with his experience, speed and versatility all highlighted. His absence is therefore a damning indictment of Arsenal’s transfer business.

Arsenal failed to strengthen their key weakness in the transfer window

Sterling is yet to score or assist in the Premier League so far, and the winger is now clearly not seen as a player capable of changing the game from the bench when required.

Arsenal entered the summer in need of an attacker who could add goals in difficult games. Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last season showed why a winger with speed and an eye for goal was a necessary addition.

Sterling was not given the chance to show he could be this winger, but the fact that he was not considered to be capable of providing goals in a game where Arsenal lacked any creativity, shows that Arteta should have recruited an attacker he believes can be the difference in these tough away games.