Raheem Sterling is barely getting an opportunity at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta likes consistency with his starting lineups and doesn’t normally make more than one or two changes unless he is forced to.
Injuries have caused him a few problems, but the Arsenal manager has still not found a way to give Sterling regular game time.
Arteta has now explained the reason why the Chelsea loanee is on the bench more often than not.
Mikel Arteta explains Raheem Sterling’s ‘tough’ situation at Arsenal
Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan deal on summer transfer deadline day.
The Englishman fell out of favour at Chelsea and Enzo Maresca decided that he didn’t want him anymore. Sterling was up for grabs, and Arteta snapped him up.
Arsenal fans were hoping to see Sterling get regular chances on both flanks, but the 30-year-old has been limited to just 356 minutes of football in all competitions. Nearly half of those minutes have come in the EFL Cup.
Arteta has a lot of sympathy for Sterling having known him for a long time. The Arsenal manager has claimed that he finds it ‘very difficult’ to accept that he hasn’t given the attacker more minutes.
The Spaniard has also explained why he hasn’t been able to bring him on as a substitute regularly either.
“It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more,” Arteta said, as per the Evening Standard.
“When he hasn’t started the games, 90 per cent of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries. It’s not tactical reasons. I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way.
“He’s very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play. He had this very important role, impacting every game, and suddenly you are in this position for a while. Not just here but at Chelsea as well.
“So it’s always very difficult and I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment. Hopefully, we can change it.”
Sterling can offer a solution to one key Arsenal problem
Arsenal have had their issues in attack this season.
Bukayo Saka has been incredible and has been carrying the Gunners over the last few months. He averages a goal or an assist every game, which is a stunning return.
However, on the opposite side, both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are struggling whenever they start. Both of them have a bigger impact off the bench.
That should open the door for Sterling to get a chance on the left flank, and the Englishman is more than good enough to deliver the goods there.
Arteta clearly wants to give Sterling more opportunities. We hope the game against Everton at the Emirates will be when the winger gets the nod.
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