Mikel Arteta recently praised Raheem Sterling, reflecting on their successful time together at Manchester City before the striker’s move to Arsenal on loan from Chelsea. Arteta referred to their previous collaboration as exceptional and expressed optimism that their reunion could help Sterling regain his best form while also aiding Arsenal in their quest for a Premier League title.
Arteta’s tenure at City, where he worked from 2016 to 2019, saw him play a significant role in Sterling’s development. Even though Pep Guardiola was the head coach, Sterling acknowledged Arteta’s influence, stating that he had a considerable impact on both team strategy and player performance.
Under Arteta’s guidance, Sterling evolved from a raw winger into a consistent goalscorer, showcasing improved positioning and movement that allowed him to more effectively attack the box. This transition resulted in a significant uptick in his goal-scoring ability during his final seasons with City.
Despite a challenging period at Chelsea, where he struggled due to constant managerial changes and team inconsistency, Sterling still demonstrated moments of brilliance. However, his statistical performance declined, indicating a need for revitalization.
Arteta’s familiarity with sterling’s capabilities positions him well to help the player adapt to Arsenal’s system. The coach aims to capitalize on Sterling’s strengths, particularly his one-on-one skills and marking ability, to enhance the team’s offensive tactics.
The signing of Sterling not only adds depth to Arsenal’s squad but also provides opportunities for tactical flexibility. With a stronger focus on Sterling’s runs into the box, coupled with Arsenal’s history of creating goal-scoring chances from cutbacks, there is potential for him to return to his previous prolific scoring form.
Ultimately, Arteta and Sterling’s past relationship could be a crucial factor in the player’s ability to thrive in Arsenal’s setup, as they look to challenge for top honors in the Premier League.