When Arsenal announced Raheem Sterling’s loan move from Chelsea, the reactions were… mixed, to say the least. Some fans were cautiously optimistic, while others questioned why Mikel Arteta had decided to roll the dice on a player they saw as past his prime. Fast forward a few months, and those doubts have only grown louder. Sterling has struggled to make an impact, and now, with Arsenal’s attack weakened by injuries, Arteta is making it clear: it’s time for Sterling to step up.
To say Sterling’s Arsenal career has been underwhelming so far would be an understatement. A single goal in the EFL Cup and just one assist in the Premier League isn’t exactly the kind of return fans were hoping for. When Mikel Merino replaced him last week against Leicester and went on to bag two goals, the contrast couldn’t have been sharper.
Sterling was supposed to add experience and dynamism to Arsenal’s frontline, but instead, he’s looked like a shadow of the player who tormented defenders at Manchester City. Some have even begun questioning whether he’s simply burned out after years of high-intensity football. Arteta, however, isn’t buying that narrative.
“I don’t think it’s about wear and tear,” Arteta said. “When I see him in training, the speed, the sharpness, it’s still there. He just needs to translate that into games.”
Arsenal are in a tight spot. With key attackers sidelined, Arteta needs every available player to deliver, and that includes Sterling. The Spaniard has made it clear that he still believes in the winger’s ability to make a difference—but belief only goes so far. The reality is simple: Arsenal are chasing Liverpool at the top of the table, and every dropped point could be costly.
“Raheem is so experienced,” Arteta said. “And at this level, what you did yesterday doesn’t matter. It’s about what you do in the next game.”
That next game could be a defining moment for Sterling’s Arsenal spell. If he doesn’t show up, he could quickly find himself warming the bench while midfielders step up to fill the attacking void. It’s now or never.
Arteta has shown incredible patience, but patience has limits. Arsenal fans have seen glimpses of Sterling’s old self, but glimpses aren’t enough. If Sterling wants to shake off the ‘Chelsea reject’ label and prove he still belongs at the highest level, there’s no better time than now.
