Arsenal took a punt by signing Raheem Sterling on a loan deal from Chelsea and so far, the gamble does not look like a calculated one whatsoever.
Mikel Arteta does not seem to trust the England international as a starter or off the bench, as was demonstrated in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw against Manchester United where he was an unused substitute.
Perhaps Arteta himself was expecting to work with the same Raheem Sterling who was his colleague at Manchester City; a direct, skillful and fast winger who was as productive a wideman as they come.
Sterling is working hard in training at Arsenal and his own fall from grace must be a shock to the system for the four-time Premier League winner.
But Edu revealed Arsenal signed Sterling for his experience among many reasons but even a youngster like Ethan Nwaneri looks far more impactful than him.
But the question is why the former Manchester City forward is struggling so much at the Emirates Stadium.
- READ MORE: Paul Merson says Arsenal star might never play for Mikel Arteta again after 1-1 draw at Man United
Rio Ferdinand says Raheem Sterling isn’t playing like himself at Arsenal
Sterling is playing for a much superior side in Arsenal instead of Chelsea and is working under a manager he has previously worked with in Mikel Arteta.
Furthermore, with Bukayo Saka set to return in April and Gabriel Martinelli being fully fit only when he was brought on against Manchester United, the 30-year-old has had plenty of chances to make himself a starter during both players’ absences.
But Rio Ferdinand simply believes that Sterling is not playing like himself, attributing that to a possible lack of confidence for the past couple of months.
The pundit said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents’ YouTube channel: “But what I would say is he ain’t playing like Sterling. When he’s on the pitch, I understand why because he’s lacking a bit of confidence. He’s playing a kind of a subdued approach, the Sterling that we know and we love, he gets the ball and he’s direct, running at you.”
Rio Ferdinand also mentioned that due to the subdued manner in which Sterling is playing nowadays, he is no longer posing the same questions he would to defenders at his blistering best.
“I watched PSG the other day [against Liverpool], their two wingers, every time they’re getting the ball, they’re facing the full-backs and right, I’m going to test you, you’ve got to bend your legs, minimum, soften them knees, I’m the guy that’s going to go past you. He ain’t really playing like that now, he ain’t giving a defender the same thought I don’t think.”
Will Arsenal sign Raheem Sterling permanently?
Mikel Arteta would have expected Sterling to step up big-time during Saka and Martinelli’s absences but that has not been the case.
Arsenal have been unable to compete with Liverpool for the Premier League title, dropping needless points Arne Slot and Co are just 16 away from becoming the champions of England. The Reds could even win the title earlier if the North Londoners drop more points and they remain as consistent as they have been since the start of the season.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool |
29 | 21 | 7 | 1 | 69 | 27 | 42 | 70 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal |
28 | 15 | 10 | 3 | 52 | 24 | 28 | 55 |
Perhaps the prime reason is because of their attack, as Arsenal have decided not to sign Sterling permanently and let him return to Chelsea after his loan spell ends.
Fabrizio Romano claimed a few weeks ago: “Expecting the player to deliver more for the final months of the season, then the expectation is for Sterling to return to Chelsea and not staying at Arsenal next season. That’s the clear feeling internally.”
What might motivate the Kingston-born goalscorer is the chance to potentially redeem himself in the Champions League.
But the only way Sterling can return to his best is by playing his natural game, as Rio Ferdinand mentioned.
