Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that Arsenal “need” Raheem Sterling to find his best form as soon as possible.
Since his summer loan move from Chelsea, Sterling has struggled to make an impact, but with injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka, he has been given a starting role.
His performance against Leicester City was underwhelming, and he was substituted just after the hour mark, with Mikel Merino replacing him and eventually scoring the match-winning goal.
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Despite concerns from fans about Sterling’s current role, Arteta has expressed confidence that the winger can still play a key part in the rest of the season if he can rediscover the form he showed during his time at Manchester City.
“He has to have [a big impact] because we really need him,” Arteta said. “Raheem is so experienced, and like many other players, we know that what you did yesterday doesn’t determine whether it was good or not. It could be relevant for the next game, the next action. He’s fully focused, trained well this week, and is ready to go again.”
When asked if Sterling’s confidence could be shaken after just four Premier League starts, Arteta replied: “Hopefully not because we try to give him as much support as possible, but that’s a question for him.”
“We’re all behind him, we want the best for him, and it’s important that we need his best. We need players with that mindset to make an impact on the team. He is doing everything he can to make it work.”
