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, occurring to lose 2-0 in what may very well be a harmful 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 interchange Saka within the beginning XI. Nevertheless, 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 considered one of his 4 floor duels.
Redknapp crucial of Raheem Sterling as Saka’s stand-in
What didn’t assist Sterling was taking part in out on the appropriate flank. Normally, Saka seems to be to chop inside onto his left foot to get photographs on purpose, 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 surface, 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 taking part in on the appropriate facet, he’s not received that very same circulate that Saka provides you.
“Right away, you have a look at that staff sheet and suppose, proper, we’ve received an actual likelihood right now, let’s get after this Arsenal facet — two of their greatest gamers aren’t taking part in.”
