Chris Sutton has criticized Raheem Sterling, accusing the Arsenal forward of underperforming in training and being consistently overlooked by manager Mikel Arteta. Sterling, who joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea, has struggled to make an impact since his arrival.
Sutton, speaking on the ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ podcast, didn’t hold back in his assessment of Sterling’s situation. “I don’t think you need to be a rocket scientist to work it out,” Sutton said. “He’s obviously not doing enough, impressing enough. It must be in training and not taking the eye.”
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Sterling’s limited appearances and lack of goals or assists have been a disappointment for Arsenal fans. Despite being brought in to bolster the attacking options, Sterling has only managed two starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League, totaling just 123 minutes of action without a goal or assist to his name. In the Champions League, Sterling has appeared twice as a substitute, clocking just 39 minutes of playing time.
It appears that Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Bukayo Saka are preferred over Sterling, and are likely to start in their Champions League match against Inter Milan on Wednesday night.
Sutton pointed out that Sterling’s inability to secure a spot in the starting lineup, even when Arsenal is struggling in the final third, is telling. “You think, well, surely Raheem Sterling would be a player who could come on and turn a game and create a chance and give them a bit of momentum. That’s not the case.”
The criticism from Sutton highlights the pressure on Sterling to improve his performances and prove his worth to Arteta and the Arsenal squad. With upcoming fixtures, including a crucial Champions League clash against Inter Milan, Sterling will need to step up and show his capabilities.
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