When Raheem Sterling made his Champions League comeback to Arsenal’s starting lineup on Wednesday, it was a memorable evening. The Chelsea winger, who is now on loan, helped twice as the Gunners easily advanced to the quarterfinals with a 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV after spending the majority of the previous season on the bench for London’s two largest teams.
After demonstrating that he can be the creative spark that has been lacking while Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz have been sidelined, Mikel Arteta’s team will play current holders and 15-time winners of the competition, Real Madrid, in the quarterfinals. The Spaniard will have to decide whether Sterling deserves more playing time in the forward line.
The stats of Raheem Sterling’s game during Arsenal 2-2 PSV (9-3 overall)
Minutes
90
Helps
2.
Opportunities generated
3.
Accuracy passing
20/23 (87%)
Targeted shots
2/3 (67%)
Total duels prevailed.
5 out of 9 (56%)
The 30-year-old, however, was fortunate to have his Man of the Match performance untarnished when he launched a risky challenge on Johan Bakayoko during stoppage time, according to former PGMOL chief and Premier League referee Keith Hackett. Although Sterling was only given a yellow card for the incident, some are questioning whether more should have been done.
Former Referee Casts verdict on Sterling’s ‘Dangerous’ Tackle
Sterling is suspended for the first leg but should arguably miss the entire quarter-final
Sterling will already miss the first leg of Arsenal’s quarterfinal matchup with Real Madrid after receiving three yellow cards in the Champions League, but Hackett told Football Insider that he should be sitting out that phase of the competition completely. Watch the incident below to hear what he said:
To be honest, this task was worthy of a red card. He puts his opponent’s safety in jeopardy and employs excessive force. He is fortunate that the referee was forgiving despite the fact that this is a red card.
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Sterling’s Recklessness Sparks Backlash
The Englishman has come under fire for the tackle
Social media users have strongly supported Hackett’s viewpoint and demanded that the Englishman receive a similar penalty. “Insane leg breaker,” said one X user, while another asserted that the person “should get a long ban for that.” “Super dangerous, should have been a red,” a third person stated, and a fourth person came to the following conclusion:
After the game, these issues ought to be examined, and he ought to get a five-game suspension. This is just needless and violent.
Sterling’s comeback coincided with the worst possible timing for the 30-year-old, since Arsenal’s next Premier League matchup is against his parent club, Chelsea, this Sunday.
Although there is evidence that the former Liverpool and Manchester City star still has a role to play this season before heading back to west London in search of a new permanent home, this means the winger will not be able to play, and as Gabriel Martinelli rapidly returns to full fitness, concerns about Sterling’s long-term future remain as bold as ever.
