“Yes, I Am Happy with the Win, But to Have Only 14 Completed Passes Is Unacceptable” — Mikel Arteta Speaks on Raheem Sterling’s Struggles in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup Win Against Crystal Palace

Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals brought excitement and relief for Gunners fans. Yet, despite the jubilation at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta struck a cautious tone. The Arsenal manager expressed concerns about his team’s performance and, in particular, Raheem Sterling’s struggles on a night that should have showcased his abilities.

The game, held under the bright lights of the Emirates, saw Arteta make eight changes to his starting XI, giving opportunities to fringe players. Among them was Raheem Sterling, who is currently on loan from Chelsea. Arteta’s decision to start Sterling was seen as a chance for the winger to impress, but his performance left much to be desired.

A Promising Start Ends in Frustration

The match began with Arsenal looking to assert control, but they were caught off guard by a determined Crystal Palace side. While Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard ultimately proved to be the game-changers, Sterling’s early moments offered promise. He attempted a spectacular free-kick that forced a top-class save from Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

However, as the half progressed, Sterling’s impact waned. His positioning and movement were often out of sync with the rest of the team. Arsenal trailed 1-0 at halftime, and Sterling’s inability to create meaningful chances added to the frustration.

A Second Half of Contrasts

The second half saw a rejuvenated Arsenal side, with Jesus and Ødegaard stepping up to spearhead the comeback. Sterling, however, continued to struggle. A golden opportunity came in the 55th minute when Kieran Tierney whipped in a perfect cross. Sterling, unmarked in the box, failed to convert the chance, mishitting the ball and missing the subsequent rebound.

It was a defining moment that epitomized Sterling’s night. The winger, who played 70 minutes, completed just 14 passes and lost possession 11 times. His inability to influence the game drew criticism from fans and pundits alike, with many questioning his place in the squad.

Arteta’s Disappointment

Arteta’s displeasure with Sterling was evident throughout the match. The Arsenal manager, known for his animated presence on the sidelines, was frequently seen gesturing and shouting instructions at the winger. Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted he was happy with the win but called out the lack of composure in his team’s play, citing Sterling’s performance as a concern.

“For a player of Sterling’s caliber to complete just 14 passes in 70 minutes is unacceptable,” Arteta said. “We need more from everyone, especially in key moments.”

Sterling’s Diminished Role

Sterling’s performance on Wednesday raises questions about his future at Arsenal. Once a standout performer for Manchester City, his loan spell in North London has been underwhelming. With Gabriel Jesus scoring a hat-trick and Leandro Trossard providing consistent performances, Sterling’s chances of retaining a starting spot look slim.

Arteta has shown faith in young talents like Bukayo Saka, who has consistently delivered. Sterling’s struggles only highlight the disparity in form and confidence between him and the rest of Arsenal’s attacking options.

A Team Effort Masks Individual Failures

Despite Sterling’s shortcomings, Arsenal’s overall resilience shone through. Ødegaard’s creativity and Jesus’ clinical finishing allowed the Gunners to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. However, Arteta knows that individual performances like Sterling’s could cost them in more challenging fixtures.

Sterling’s Future in Doubt

With Arsenal preparing for a Premier League rematch against Crystal Palace this weekend, Sterling’s place in the squad is under scrutiny. Arteta may choose to rotate his squad, but Sterling’s inconsistent form makes it unlikely he’ll start again soon.

The England winger’s inability to capitalize on opportunities raises broader questions about his long-term future. Once hailed as one of England’s brightest stars, Sterling now faces an uphill battle to reclaim his reputation at both club and international levels.

A Test of Character

For Sterling, the coming weeks will be crucial. The winger must prove he can adapt to Arteta’s tactical demands and deliver consistent performances. His time at Arsenal is limited, and failure to turn things around could see him fall further down the pecking order.

Arsenal’s Progress, but Concerns Remain

While the victory over Crystal Palace was a step forward for Arsenal, Arteta’s comments serve as a reminder of the work still to be done. The Gunners are in contention for multiple trophies this season, but performances like Sterling’s could jeopardize their chances.

A Night to Forget

For Sterling, Wednesday night was a missed opportunity. The winger, once celebrated for his explosive pace and eye for goal, now faces criticism and doubt. Arteta’s frustration with Sterling reflects the growing sentiment among fans and analysts: Sterling must improve or risk becoming a forgotten figure at Arsenal.

A Message from Arteta

Arteta’s post-match comments underline the standards he expects from his players. “We are happy with the win, but performances like this cannot become a habit,” he said. “Every player needs to contribute, and that starts with discipline and execution on the pitch.”

The Road Ahead

As Arsenal prepares for their next set of fixtures, the focus will shift to maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions. For Sterling, the road to redemption is clear: he must seize every opportunity, starting on the training ground.

Conclusion

Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace highlighted the team’s resilience and determination. However, Raheem Sterling’s struggles served as a sobering reminder of the challenges Arteta faces in managing a squad filled with varied talent levels. For Sterling, time is running out to prove his worth and avoid being remembered as a misstep in Arsenal’s pursuit of glory.