13-03-2025
'An opportunity' for Sterling
Raheem Sterling was introduced late on in Arsenal's recent home defeat by West Ham and the draw at Nottingham Forest in the Premier was also overlooked entirely by manager Mikel Arteta in the 1-1 draw at Manchester with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all out injured, former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given believes his performance on Wednesday will provide Arteta with food for thought."Raheem Sterling is a big-name player. He is a Premier League winner and did so well at Manchester City," Given told BBC Sport."It did not work out so well at Chelsea and people will say it has not worked out for him great so far at Arsenal. But I think it is an opportunity for Raheem because you can see Arsenal's squad are struggling for forward players."He was hugging the touchline and he is direct. We know how quick and good he is and we have not seen enough of it in an Arsenal shirt."Sterling set up Declan Rice's headed goal in the first half and has now contributed to 46 goals in the competition (27 goals, 19 assists), with David Beckham (52), Harry Kane (50) and Wayne Rooney (47), the only Englishmen to have delivered Villa and England defender Stephen Warnock believes the 30-year-old can have an impact in the final weeks of the season: "I think he deserves to be given an opportunity. When you look at Arsenal, they need speed in attack."More on Sterling here
