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Raheem Sterling is still doing the same things at Arsenal that he was at Liverpool

-Credit: (Image: 2024 Allstar)
-Credit: (Image: 2024 Allstar)


Raheem Sterling made his first appearance for Arsenal on Sunday as he emerged for a late cameo during the Gunners' North London derby victory over Tottenham.

The 29-year-old has now played for four of the clubs in the traditional Big Six, with only Manchester United and Spurs yet to have the former Liverpool winger on their books.

Sterling was frozen out by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who made no secret of his desire to move the England winger on during the summer transfer window.

And Arsenal was the beneficiary from that situation, as Mikel Arteta reunited with the winger he spent several years alongside at Manchester City during his period as the club's assistant manager.

Sterling did not cover himself in glory during his brief appearance in the North London derby, struggling to retain possession for the leaders, with fellow substitute Gabriel Jesus also fielding his share of criticism.

One of the criticisms that has been levelled at Sterling throughout his career is that he often lacks composure in key moments, and that was again the case on Sunday.

One user of social media platform X remarked that Ethan Nwaneri was the only Arsenal substitute who kept his head in the dying moments, highlighting the struggles of Sterling and Jesus after coming on to the pitch.

"You send on Jesus, Sterling and Nwaneri and the only one who keeps their head in those dying moments is the 17-year-old," they wrote.

Another jokingly shared a clip of Jamie Carragher from last season, when, speaking about Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, he said: "Leave the football before the football leaves you... the football's left him."

Of course, it's early days in Sterling's Arsenal career and could yet prove to be a valuable asset to Arsenal, but he'll have to improve markedly for that to be the case.