Raheem Sterling Struggles to Rediscover Form at Arsenal

LONDON, England — Raheem Sterling, once a cornerstone of Manchester City‘s attacking prowess, is facing a challenging chapter in his career as he struggles to find his footing at Arsenal. The 30-year-old forward, on loan from Chelsea, has yet to replicate the form that made him one of Europe’s most feared attackers during his prime years under Pep Guardiola.

Sterling’s recent performances have been a far cry from his glory days at City, where he amassed 53 goals and assists in the 2018-19 season alone. His substitution in the 61st minute during Arsenal’s recent North London Derby against Tottenham highlighted his ongoing struggles. The sight of Sterling trudging off the pitch, visibly frustrated, underscored the difficulties he has faced since joining the Gunners last summer.

“It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said in a recent press conference. “When he hasn’t started the games, 90 percent of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries. It’s not tactical reasons.”

Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal was seen as an opportunity to reignite his career after falling out of favor at Chelsea. However, injuries and limited playing time have hampered his ability to make an impact. He has made just seven Premier League appearances this season, with only four starts, and has scored just one goal in all competitions—a strike in a 5-1 League Cup victory over Bolton.

Despite his struggles, Sterling has shown flashes of his former self. In Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round loss to Manchester United, he came on as a substitute and impressed Arteta with his energy and commitment. “I was really happy with the way he came in,” Arteta said. “Since he had the injury and he came back, you could sense he was going to give us something important.”

Sterling’s defensive contributions have also been notable. In the North London Derby, he won more duels and made more tackles than any other player in the first half. Yet, these efforts have done little to satisfy Arsenal fans, who remember the player who once terrorized defenses with his pace and precision.

The forward’s struggles are not just physical but also mental. Sterling has historically been sensitive to criticism, and the intense scrutiny he faces in London has taken its toll. “He is used to being in the line of fire,” said a source close to the player. “But the constant negativity can be hard to shake off.”

With Arsenal looking to strengthen their forward line next season, Sterling’s future at the Emirates remains uncertain. Chelsea, his parent club, have made it clear he is not part of their plans. Yet, those who know Sterling best believe he has the resilience to bounce back. “He deserves respect,” said a former teammate. “His achievements speak for themselves. The trophies, the goals, the assists—he’s proven his quality time and again.”

As Sterling works to rediscover his form, the question remains: Can he silence his critics and prove he still belongs at the highest level? For now, the answer lies in his ability to overcome the mental and physical hurdles that have defined his season so far.