Jamie Redknapp was unimpressed with Raheem Sterling’s efficiency in Arsenal’s shock defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Gunners arrived on the South Coast unbeaten however noticed William Saliba despatched off after simply half-hour, happening to lose 2-0 in what may very well be a dangerous consequence within the Premier League title race.
Arsenal needed to cope with out some key gamers, with Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka all sidelined for the journey to the Vitality Stadium.
Raheem Sterling was the person to switch Saka within the beginning XI. Nonetheless, he was sacrificed on 37 minutes as Mikel Arteta introduced on an additional defender following Saliba’s purple card.
Even earlier than then, Sterling didn’t look sharp, failing to aim a shot or create an opportunity, whereas he misplaced 4 of his 10 passes, accomplished only one dribble and solely gained one in all his 4 floor duels.
Redknapp crucial of Raheem Sterling as Saka’s stand-in
What didn’t assist Sterling was enjoying out on the best flank. Often, Saka seems to chop inside onto his left foot to get photographs on aim, whereas he’s additionally very adept at delivering harmful crosses into the field on his weaker foot.
Sterling simply wasn’t capable of take Bournemouth defenders on down the skin, leaving Arsenal restricted in assault.
Sky Sports activities pundit Redknapp believes Sterling did little to recommend he generally is a viable back-up to Saka.
“They missed [Bukayo] Saka, as a result of as quickly because the ball goes out to him, one thing can occur,” the previous Tottenham, Liverpool and England midfielder advised Sky Sports activities.
“Raheem Sterling is clearly a right-footed participant, he’s enjoying on the best aspect, he’s not obtained that very same circulation that Saka gives you.
“Right away, you have a look at that group sheet and suppose, proper, we’ve obtained an actual probability at present, let’s get after this Arsenal aspect — two of their greatest gamers aren’t enjoying.”
