Arteta admits Arsenal need more from Raheem Sterling amid attacking injuries and hints Merino could play as a striker again | OneFootball

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has backed Raheem Sterling to contribute for Arsenal during the remainder of the season.

Sterling, who is on a season-long loan from London rivals Chelsea, has struggled to make an impact so far, scoring just once in 19 appearances in all competitions.

But he has been given a bigger opportunity following injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli of late, and Arteta says they are going to need Sterling at his best if they are to pull off a title charge.

“Raheem is so experienced, and like many other players, we know that what you did yesterday is not (relevant).

“That could be relevant to the next game, to the next action. He’s fully focused, he’s trained really well this week, and ready to go again.”

Asked if he thinks Sterling can still contribute, he added: “Yeah, and he has to have it because we really need him.”

Arteta opted to bring on midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker against Leicester, a decision which paid off as the Spaniard scored twice late on to secure a 2-0 win.

And Arteta says it is a possibility Merino could play there again against West Ham on Saturday.

Asked if he has been used as a striker in training, Arteta said: “We trained the last few weeks with different players. He’s been one of them. With other players as well.

“It’s not only how you can finish a game, how you start a game, how you change if the opponent does something different. Every three days as well, we’re going to need different options.

Arteta did not tell Merino about his plan to use him as a striker before the Leicester clash and says he has not discussed him with it again.

“No, not to him or to other players,” the Arsenal boss said. “Especially because I want the players when they are in that pitch that they are feeling what they are doing and they are taking the initiative and I don’t blame them.

“They are thinking about what if tomorrow I have to do certain things. That’s why I did it.”