by It was a stunning turnaround on transfer deadline day that saw Raheem Sterling’s proposed move to Manchester United fall through and the Chelsea winger instead head to London rivals Arsenal on loan.
Sterling had been left out of Chelsea because he was not part of new manager Enzo Maresca’s plans. It was believed to be for footballing reasons, although Sterling’s wages – of which the Blues continue to pay him a percentage while he is at Arsenal – also factored into their decision to move him.
At Arsenal, he joins a team chasing the Premier League title and where options in his preferred positions are fewer than at Stamford Bridge, so he should get plenty of game time.
Here, Standard sport assesses how the Gunners can use Sterling going forward.
Option 1 – Right wing
4-3-3: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Wood; Odegaard, Partey, Riz; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli
In this formation, Sterling would play on the right flank to cover Bukayo Saka.
Much of the thinking behind Arsenal’s signing of the experienced England international comes from a desire to provide another option on the right-hand side so that Saka can be rested from time to time.
Sterling is by no means a traditional ‘go to the backline and cross’ winger, but he is nonetheless adept on the right, weaving through defences and being able to contain crosses to the back post.
Players like Kai Havertz could benefit from their aerial ability, just as Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane did for years for Manchester City and England respectively.
Option two – left wing
4-3-3: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Wood; Odegaard, Partey, Riz; Saka, Havertz, Sterling
Mikel Arteta’s side have regularly used Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing for the past two years, with Sterling providing a new alternative on that side.
Although his goal tally at Chelsea was modest, most of Sterling’s most memorable goals for the Blues came when he was playing on the left side, cutting in from his right and firing home.
A member of the Premier League’s hundred club, Arteta could benefit from Sterling’s dribbling ability as he breaks in from the left and shoots at goal. Quick passing combinations with No10 Martin Odegaard would also be difficult for opponents to defend.
Option three – false nine
4-3-3: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Wood; Odegaard, Partey, Riz; Saka, Sterling, Martinelli
Given Gabriel Jesus’ injury record, there could come a point where Arteta is either forced or chooses to play Sterling as a false nine, instead of Havertz or Jesus as a conventional striker.
Pep Guardiola and Gareth Southgate have both used Sterling as a wide striker in the past, and his positional excellence makes him a viable option, despite his small frame.
Sterling’s off-the-ball movements have already been hailed as among the best in the Premier League, and defences could have a nightmare trying to pin him down as he links play between midfield and Saka and Martinelli either side of him.
His steady pace could help him worry defenders when running off the shoulder and into the final third.
