“Arteta is the caused of his own problems, he has a player who’s a complete striker but he preferred using Kai Havertz who was a midfielder as his main striker…If he start using that guy as his main striker, I believe they’ll win Premier League this season”: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has named ONE Arsenal player who Arteta should be using as his main striker instead of Havertz
Arsenal may have a ready-made solution to their striker crisis and Pep Guardiola could be due some credit if it works out.
The Gunners will be without both of their top two forwards for the rest of the season after Gabriel Jesus (knee) and Kai Havertz (hamstring) were ruled out with serious injuries. This comes on top of hamstring issues for wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, hampering their Premier League title challenge.
They both missed Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Leicester, but are expected to return fit after the international break next month, meaning they could be back in action by early April. Leandro Trossard led the line for Arsenal at the King Power Stadium before midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench to take up the false nine role and secure the win with two late goals.
“Otherwise, he’ll go out with a whimper. The last time I saw him come on and do something in a short space of time, was against Manchester United that’s what you want to see from him, just come on and try to make something happen.”
Arteta, who worked alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City for three years, had previously praised Sterling’s potential as a striker. Despite Sterling’s stint at the Emirates not showcasing his best form, it’s believed his experience could be crucial in guiding Arsenal through a challenging phase, reports the Mirror.
Guardiola, speaking to City’s official website in 2019, praised Sterling’s scoring record, saying: “Since we started this [pre] season in China and the Community Shield he’s scored one goal minimum every game. On the first day, he played as a striker and for me, striker will be an incredible position for him. He can play in three positions up front.”
He also highlighted the importance of team dynamics, stating: “They’re incredibly talented players but they need the group… when the team takes a step forward he plays better. But I know the special quality of the player, the consistent physicality and the finishing.”
Brendan Rodgers, the ex-Liverpool boss, has been vocal in his praise for Raheem Sterling’s adaptability on the pitch. Reflecting on Sterling’s journey more than 10 years ago, the manager compared the then-youngster to Arsenal’s versatile star at the time, saying back in 2014: “He can play across the front line. I played him as a striker, but you get different types of striker.
“He’s more of an Alexis Sanchez when he plays as a striker he’s not going to pin the defender. He plays in the spaces and he’s got the speed to get in behind. A couple of great finishes and I’m very pleased for him.”
Although Sterling used to spearhead the attack in Liverpool youth matches, his central striking roles have waned over the years. Since moving to Arsenal on loan last summer, Sterling, now a seasoned pro, has not made quite the impact expected.
He has netted just once and set up two goals in 19 outings for the Gunners, with that lone goal scored against Bolton in the Carabao Cup. As West Ham ready to clash with second-placed Arsenal, who stand seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool, fans are eager for a win at the Emirates this coming Saturday.
