Raheem Sterling sent a clear message to Mikel Arteta during Arsenal win vs West Ham – the numbers prove it

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Arsenal cruised to victory against West Ham United on match day 13 of the Premier League season.

After Arsenal thrashed Sporting CP 5-1 in the Champions League, Mikel Arteta’s side returned to Premier League action with another five-star display.

Five goals were scored by five different goalscorers for the second time this week, with four of those who scored against Sporting doing the same at the London Stadium.

Arsenal beat West Ham 5-2 to take all three points back to north London, emerging victorious in the derby.

Mikel Arteta made Raheem Sterling decision vs West Ham

Going in at the interval with a three goal lead was enough for Arteta to change up his squad during the second half.

17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri got minutes in the Premier League, as did rarely-seen summer arrival Raheem Sterling.

The manager called upon Sterling to replace Bukayo Saka in the 74th minute, giving the 29-year-old the chance to make a statement, which is just what he did.

A statistic shared by analyst Scott Willis on X displayed Arsenal’s greatest sources of attacking threat at the London Stadium.

While it was unsurprising to see Saka head and shoulders above the rest, the Hale End graduate’s impact was not the only positive to take from the post-match readings.

It was clear just how much of a difference Sterling made when coming on, applying the pressure to West Ham predominantly through his passing and carries.

Numbers-wise, the Englishman completed 100% of his passes against the Hammers, via Sofascore, one of which being a key pass to test the hosts’ defence. 

Sterling is starting to find his feet at Arsenal

Arteta described Sterling as ‘exceptional’ for the work he’s putting in behind the scenes to earn more minutes on his loan spell at the Emirates.

The Chelsea loanee has had a slow start to life at Arsenal but slowly, he seems to be creeping back to a higher level.

Sterling impressed against Nottingham Forest on match day 12 and was back to impress against West Ham, sending a clear message to Arteta regarding what he can offer.

Given the experience that the four-time Premier League winner has, Arsenal could be presented with a real boost for the remainder of the season if Sterling can hit top form.