Mikel Arteta shared his mixed feelings after Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. Despite the win, he expressed concern about the performance of his team, particularly Raheem Sterling, whose struggles on the pitch left much to be desired.
Arteta made eight changes to his starting lineup, including giving Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, a chance to impress. While he showed early promise with a free-kick that forced a strong save from Palace’s goalkeeper, his overall contribution was disappointing. As the game progressed, Sterling’s positioning and movements were often out of sync with his teammates, and Arsenal trailed 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Arsenal rallied with Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard playing key roles, but Sterling continued to underperform. He missed a golden chance early in the second half, mishitting a cross and failing to score on the rebound. Sterling completed only 14 passes in 70 minutes and lost possession 11 times, drawing criticism from fans and pundits.
Arteta, who was visibly frustrated with Sterling’s performance during the match, acknowledged the win but emphasized the need for better composure and contributions from all players, especially in critical moments. He stated that for a player of Sterling’s caliber, completing just 14 passes was unacceptable.
Sterling’s poor form has raised questions about his future at Arsenal, especially with other players like Jesus and Leandro Trossard performing well. Arteta’s trust in young players like Bukayo Saka further highlights Sterling’s struggles to find his place in the team.
Although Arsenal secured the win and advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, Arteta’s comments suggest there is much to improve, and individual performances like Sterling’s could be detrimental in tougher matches. With a Premier League match against Crystal Palace upcoming, Sterling’s place in the squad is uncertain.
Sterling now faces a critical period to prove his worth, adapt to Arteta’s tactics, and demonstrate consistent form if he hopes to remain relevant at Arsenal. Arteta emphasized the importance of discipline and execution, making it clear that poor performances cannot continue. As Arsenal aims for further success this season, Sterling’s future hangs in the balance, and he must seize every opportunity to regain his form.
