Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has defended Raheem Sterling and acknowledged accountability for his limited game time after the Arsenal loanee was branded the ‘flop of the season’.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come to the defense of Raheem Sterling after the Arsenal loanee was labeled the “flop of the season” by some critics. Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, has struggled to secure regular game time under Arteta.
Since his arrival at Arsenal, Sterling has made limited appearances, starting just two Premier League games. His reduced role has led to criticism from fans and pundits, with former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore calling him one of the “flops of the season”.
Arteta has taken responsibility for Sterling’s lack of minutes, acknowledging that he would like to see the winger play more. “I would like to see him more to be fair and this is down to me,” Arteta said. His application and commitment around the team has been exceptional and now it’s time for me to give him more minutes.”
Despite his limited playing time, Arteta praised Sterling’s professionalism and dedication. “He’s trying his best. His application and commitment around the team has been exceptional and now it’s time for me to give him more minutes. That’s the intention. That’s why I put him on against Forest, that’s why I wanted to put him on against Sporting, now getting into that rhythm because he can really impact the team as well.”
Arteta has indicated that Sterling will get more opportunities in the coming weeks. “That’s the intention. That’s why I put him on against Forest, that’s why I wanted to put him on against Sporting, now getting into that rhythm because he can really impact the team as well.”
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