Raheem Sterling was included in the starting XI as Arsenal overcame Preston North End on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal were utterly dominant throughout this EFL Cup encounter at Deepdale Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side monopolised possession and territory, particularly in the first half, with Raheem Sterling seeing plenty of the ball on the right flank.
However, the Chelsea loanee was unable to make much of an impact in this period. On several occasions, the 29-year-old was guilty of lingering on the ball, running down blind alleys, and failing to progress attacks.
As a right-footer playing on this side of the pitch, it was natural for Sterling to go on the outside of his opposite number. However, the England international’s instincts and strengths as a player are best expressed when he is able to cut inside the pitch.
In the second half, after Sterling was switched to the left flank, his game sparked into life. Able to drive in-field, towards goal, he was suddenly able to cause issues for the Preston defence.
(L-R) Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling of Arsenal during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on October 03, 2024 in London Colney, En…
Raheem Sterling performance vs Preston highlights Mikel Arteta error
Sterling was started on the right in this match to provide cover for Bukayo Saka. In fact, it was likely due to a desire to bring in a back up option for the Hale End academy graduate that prompted Arteta to sign Sterling in the first place.
However, this outing against Preston proved that Sterling is unable to produce his best on the right wing, but is far more comfortable on the left instead, where the Gunners already have Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard battling for a starting berth.
Arsenal got a good deal for Sterling’s services from a financial perspective, but that does not change the fact that he is not able to address the issue he was brought to the Emirates Stadium to solve, namely providing an effective alternative to Saka.
Arsenal made Reiss Nelson transfer mistake
Meanwhile, Arsenal allowed Reiss Nelson to join Fulham in the summer. Whilst the 24-year-old was never a regular starter under Arteta, he was at least well suited to being deployed on the right.
Nelson has impressed for Fulham so far this season, and Sterling’s first half display against Preston may well have prompted Arteta to rue some of his summer transfer decisions.
Now, though, the Spanish coach must focus on coaxing the best out of Sterling. He certainly has the capacity to make an impact for Arsenal this season, as long as he is allowed to play to his strengths. Meanwhile, the search for reliable cover for Saka goes on.
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