In brief
Due to injuries and a lack of squad depth, Arsenal is expected to finish second in the Premier League.
Raheem Sterling’s lacklustre performance demonstrated his inefficiency in crucial areas such as goals, dribbles, and shoots.
On social media, Sterling received harsh criticism from Arsenal supporters who were disappointed and frustrated with his lacklustre performance.
On Wednesday night, in-form Crystal Palace held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Two goals from Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior gave the Gunners the lead, but incredible strikes from Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Eberechi Eze condemned Mikel Arteta’s team to their 13th draw of the year.
With just one point separating Liverpool from their record-tying 20th domestic title, Arsenal is now virtually certain to finish second in the Premier League table for a third consecutive season, whether it is due to their inability to convert stalemates into three points or a lack of squad depth that has seen injuries hit them hard this season.
Given that all eyes are on the impending Champions League semi-final matchup against Paris Saint-Germain, Wednesday’s outcome might not have made much of a difference in the overall context of their season. However, despite the low stakes, the Arsenal supporters’ displeasure was stoked by one marginal player’s lacklustre effort.
Raheem Sterling’s ‘Pitiful’ Performance
The gulf in class between him and Bukayo Saka is worryingly noticeable
The reasoning was obvious when Raheem Sterling was loaned to Arsenal from Chelsea last summer. The England international, a seasoned winger, had a penchant for collecting trophies like it was going out of style when he played for Manchester City. Additionally, Sterling was meant to be the go-to option for Bukayo Saka when he needed a break. However, Wednesday night only served to highlight the fact that the 30-year-old appears to be long past his sell-by date.
He did not attempt any long balls, dribble successfully, cross the ball accurately, or score any goals during his 60 minutes in N5. For a crowd so accustomed to watching one of the top wingers in global football fire up the right flank, it must have felt like a spectacular fall from grace. Sterling just wasn’t up to par for a team trying to win their first Premier League title in twenty years, as he lost control five times and only won one of his five duels overall.
The 2024–2025 stats for Raheem Sterling across all competitions
Looks
26
The number of minutes played
996
Objectives
One
Helps
5.
Each game’s shots
One
Pass with success
83.1%
Each game’s key passes
0.7
Each game’s successful dribbles
One
Sterling has only made 14 Premier League appearances this season, and his solitary goal came in the Carabao Cup. He has failed to score a goal in the league. The fact that defensive midfielder Mikel Merino has been relied upon to cover for Sterling in the attacking gap caused by major injuries speaks volumes about his performances. Needless to say, the club will not be considering a permanent move for Sterling anytime soon.
Arsenal Fans Make Feelings Clear About Sterling
Patience for the veteran winger has worn paper thin
Social media complaints indicate that Arsenal supporters would be quick to object to any potential return for the Chelsea outcast, even if Stan Kroenke and his hiring team had intentions to keep Sterling past this season.
One fan on X stated, “Sterling has absolutely no business playing here let alone starting,” and felt that Ethan Nwaneri ought to have been selected instead. Then, a second user added:
We can’t even bring ourselves to be critical of Sterling because he is so awful. It’s merely sympathy.”
“Raheem Sterling is reaching Denis Suarez levels of Arsenal existence,” said a third incredulous Arsenal supporter. A fourth person added, “I think Sterling would struggle in an U12’s match.” “I can’t believe he’s this bad.”
“Just feel sorry for Sterling at this stage,” was the conclusion of the last criticism. You shouldn’t be close to this team. One of the children on the bench should be given the minutes.
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