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Liverpool legend twists knife in on Raheem Sterling as Arsenal reality clear

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Raheem Sterling
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images))


Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has suggested that Raheem Sterling might find it tough to nail down a starting spot at Arsenal following his surprise transfer.

Sterling's deadline day switch from Chelsea caught many off guard, with Enzo Maresca now steering the ship at Stamford Bridge and Lawrenson has voiced caution about his prospects of consistent first-team action with the Gunners.

Sterling is up against the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard, all vying for prominence on the flanks. Sterling's outings in the games against Tottenham and Atalanta post-move haven't swayed Lawrenson's perspective, as he continues to question Sterling's role under manager Mikel Arteta.

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Conveying his thoughts to Paddy Power, the ex-Liverpool defender and staple of Match of the Day analysis predicted a limited role for Sterling: "At Arsenal, I think Raheem Sterling will solely be used for squad depth, I don't see him breaking into the starting team. I'd imagine that the manager will have already told him that he'll be a 25-minute man each week and that will be it, unless he does well when he gets a chance."

But despite his doubt over Sterling's playing time, Lawrenson can't help but express his appreciation for what Arsenal's been doing on the pitch lately. With eyes set on their upcoming showdown with Manchester City, he underscored the significance of this encounter: "I've been quite impressed with Arsenal in recent years and they know that the game against Manchester City this weekend is a massive game for them and I have a feeling that they will go to the Etihad and take home all three points."

The potential arrival of a player like Sterling at Arsenal could ignite their push for the Premier League title, a triumph they haven't savored in over two decades. His winning mindset and wealth of experience, having secured four Premier League titles with Manchester City, are exactly what the Gunners might need to close the gap that saw them just miss out on victory last season.

Arteta, who once worked alongside Sterling at Man City, is no stranger to the qualities he can bring to a team. Despite any doubts tossed around in football circles about whether this would be a savvy acquisition, Arteta stood firm in his belief in Sterling's contribution.

In Arteta's own words, "After 10 seconds I knew we had to bring him (to Arsenal) because he really wanted it, and that was my only question mark, what stage is he at in his career? But after 10 seconds I knew."

"He looks great. He has got a big smile on his face, a lot of energy and he wants to prove a point. When someone has got that in their belly you sense it straight away. I don't need to discuss his quality and what he can bring to the team."