Danny Murphy makes bold Raheem Sterling prediction following shock Arsenal move
Raheem Sterling joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day after it became clear the England international would struggle for minutes at Stamford Bridge
Raheem Sterling's hopes of first-team action at Chelsea might have looked slim, but Danny Murphy expects the forward to play more than some expect at new club Arsenal.
After leaving Sterling out of his matchday squad for the opening weekend of the season, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made it clear the 29-year-old would struggle for minutes. After links with Manchester United, it was Arsenal who finally pounced on deadline day.
Sterling has joined the Gunners on an initial loan, with no option or obligation to buy. However, he could yet earn a permanent Chelsea exit if he impresses in North London.
Saturday's draw with Brighton came too early for Sterling, who watched on as Mikel Arteta's team dropped points for the first time this season. He's likely to be available after the international break, though, and Match of the Day pundit Murphy has high hopes.
"It’s not just Raheem’s influence in the dressing room but impact on the pitch," Murphy wrote for The Mail. "He’s versatile and can play across the front line, on both wings, as a striker and as a false nine.
"The one area where Arteta has found it difficult at times is strength in depth on the right wing. He had Bukayo Saka and no one else he trusted.
"That meant he often ran Saka into the ground. Sterling’s arrival gives Arteta an opportunity to rest Saka when needed. The reality is if Arsenal want to be at that elite level, they need that strength in depth. Raheem will play more games than people think because if he gets anywhere near his best he’ll be starting."
What are your expectations for Raheem Sterling at Arsenal? Have your say in the comments section
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta previously worked with Sterling at Manchester City and was asked about the new arrival after Saturday's draw. "Yes, we’ll have to see and speak to him on what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it," Arteta said.
"We have to try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quick as possible and him understanding what we are looking for from him and the dynamics of the team. We will use this time to do that and as soon as possible, get him involved."
Arsenal appeared on course for a third straight league win after Kai Havertz gave them a half-time lead against Brighton. The game changed when Declan Rice was shown a second yellow card, though, and Brighton found an equaliser through Joao Pedro.
"We started the game really well," Arteta said. "We scored the goal, 1-0. We started the second half really good but then there is the decision that changes the game completely."
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