Gary Lineker has expressed his disappointment over Raheem Sterling’s struggles at Arsenal, describing the winger’s decline as “sad.” Once regarded as one of the Premier League’s best, the 30-year-old has failed to make an impact since joining the Gunners on loan from Chelsea, recording just one goal and two assists in 22 appearances.
Sterling’s career has been on a downward trajectory in recent years. After playing a key role in Manchester City’s four Premier League title wins and earning the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 2018-19, his form dipped following his move to Chelsea in 2022. His struggles continued at Arsenal, highlighted by his absence from the pitch in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker shared his concerns about Sterling’s form. “It’s hard to be too critical because he didn’t get on [against United], but it’s sad because he’s been a brilliant player for club and country,” he said. “Maybe playing so much football at a young age has taken a toll. Maybe it’s a lack of confidence. Who knows?”
Premier League legend Alan Shearer echoed those sentiments, suggesting Sterling has lost his spark. “You can tell a bit of a spring in his step has gone,” Shearer said. “There’s not that same energy or belief when he gets the ball. Maybe that’s confidence because he hasn’t played much, and when he has, he hasn’t done well.”
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards also pointed to Sterling’s struggles adapting outside of Pep Guardiola’s system. “He was playing for a team at City that won everything. At Chelsea, he struggled with a different system and injuries. We never saw the best of him there, and it’s the same at Arsenal,” Richards noted.
Despite his struggles on the pitch, Sterling remains a respected presence in the Arsenal dressing room, valued for his leadership and experience. Reports suggested he considered returning to Chelsea in January, but he opted to stay at the Emirates in hopes of helping Arsenal’s title push.
Many hoped Sterling would step up during Arsenal’s injury crisis, filling in for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. However, he has been unable to rediscover the explosiveness that once made him a key figure for club and country. In November, Stan Collymore even labeled him the Premier League’s “flop of the season.”
As the season nears its conclusion, Sterling faces a crucial moment in his career. Whether he can recapture his best form or if his Premier League future is in doubt remains to be seen.