Raheem Sterling wants to fight for his place at Arsenal despite a tough time securing regular match action since his loan arrival from Chelsea. The ex-Manchester City ace has chalked up only 10 outings under Mikel Arteta this term.
Arteta leapt at the chance to work with Sterling again in the summer, clinching a short-term deal after clear signals that Sterling’s stint at Chelsea was over. With an eight-year history between them at City, expectations were high.
But since the deal was confirmed, Sterling’s minutes on the pitch have been hard to come by, with the England international racking up just 146 in the Premier League. Despite his experience Sterling has not made the impact expected, netting a solitary goal across two Carabao Cup games.
According to the Evening Standard, Sterling is keen to remain at the Emirates Stadium and fight for his place. He is determined to win a spot in Arteta’s starting 11 for the second half of the season.
Arteta has previously admitted that injuries around the squad have impacted Sterling’s minutes this season. “He (Sterling) is very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play,” Arteta said last week.
“When he hasn’t started the games, 90 per cent of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries. It’s not tactical reasons.”
Sterling might have a chance to prove himself once more in Arsenal’s attack when they take on Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup this Wednesday. Sterling has been nearly ever-present during the previous cup wins against Preston and Bolton, missing just nine minutes on the pitch.
With another meeting with Palace scheduled for Saturday in the Premier League, the fast-paced forward could get another run-out, bolstered by his formidable track record of 11 goals in 18 matches against the Eagles, predominantly during his time with City.
Chelsea, meanwhile, seem unlikely to entertain the idea of bringing Sterling back from his loan at Arsenal. After being sidelined from the squad and informed by Enzo Maresca that he was not part of the season’s plans, it would be tough for Sterling to find space in a Chelsea side where wingers Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, and Noni Madueke are impressing.
