Raheem Sterling to Arsenal has been one of the most exciting transfers to happen this summer.
The deal was crafted at a time when the English ace was staring at oblivion, knowing he could go into exile if he stayed at Stamford Bridge.
From being an expensive outcast with an uncertain future to getting a chance to win trophies with the Gunners, it was a surprising change in the 29-year-old’s fortunes.
The Blues’ star was rescued by Mikel Arteta, a manager who was responsible for helping the player find his form during their time together at Manchester City.
Sterling hardly made an impact under Todd Boehly’s reign (19 goals in 81 games), but the Arsenal boss believed in the winger’s ability to add an extra dimension to the team’s high-flying attacking unit.
Sterling has gone straight down to work since joining the Gunners on the deadline day
The Chelsea loanee will get a two-week international break to train with his new teammates, he is straight down to work since he has hardly played since preseason.
He will be familiar with Arteta’s plans and is also working closely with coach Ben Rosenblatt. The former England physical performance coach will help Sterling get in shape.
All this is done so that he makes a swift return to action against Tottenh*m Hotsp*r on September 15th.
Arsenal boss Arteta will expect Sterling to show a high standard, demonstrating the qualities that he possessed during his time at Man City.
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The senior attacker scored 55 league goals in over three seasons at the Etihad due to his intelligent run-ins and clever positioning in the penalty box. He was a threat in the box, and as a winger, he was excellent at taking those crosses.
🏴 Raheem Sterling’s underrated stats by Club:
🏴 Manchester City: 131 goals, 73 assists
🏴 Liverpool: 23 goals, 18 assists
🏴 Chelsea: 19 goals, 12 assists✅ Manchester City
🏆 4x Premier League
🏆 1x FA Cup
🏆 5x League Cup
🏆 2x Community ShieldIncredible. 👏🏽🔥 pic.twitter.com/cHtApwzffT
— e360hub football⚽ (@e360hub_) August 31, 2024
The North London club have scored most of their goals through cut-backs (91 goals), a trait the English winger is strong at.
Would Raheem Sterling provide more line up options for Arteta vs Spurs?
Although his finishing took a hit since joining Chelsea, his comfort in playing with full-backs gives the team more flexibility. Gabriel Martinelli failed to combine well with the attacking full-backs last season and hence, we might see the manager use Sterling as a left-winger to capitalise on missing Declan Rice in the North London Derby.
Alternatively, having Martinelli and the Chelsea ace as left-wingers also gives more freedom for Leandro Trossard to feature as a false nine. These are welcome options for the club, since they can utilise either Sterling/Trossard/Gabriel Jesus as a false nine.
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He is versatile enough to play on the right as well, providing cover for Bukayo Saka when needed.
The 29-year-old’s inclusion as a striker or in the left flank with Martinelli playing down the middle will help free up space for Kai Havertz to play as a midfielder. We might see this strategy on display vs Spurs in two weeks time.
Declan Rice’s unfortunate red card means that he won’t be able to cover the centre of the field against Spurs. Hence, Arteta can switch to the Havertz/Martin Ødegaard/Thomas Partey combination. Mikel Merino won’t return to action until he recovers from his shoulder injury. The fans will be happy that their club got a dynamic player in Sterling.
Probable Line-up 1 with Raheem Sterling: Front three of – Bukayo Saka (RW), Raheem Sterling (CF), Gabriel Martinelli (LW) with Kai Havertz in CM role
Probable Line-up 2 with Raheem Sterling: Front three of – Bukayo Saka (RW), Gabriel Martinelli (CF), Raheem Sterling (LW) with Kai Havertz in CM role
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He has adapted to changing positions, changing managers, and changing strategies quite often. The Englishman needs to do it one more time and for a club he truly adores.
