Michael Owen has suggested that Raheem Sterling is likely to lose his starting spot at Arsenal following a disappointing performance in their 2-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday.
The on-loan Chelsea winger struggled to make an impact before being substituted just over the hour mark for Mikel Merino.
The Spanish midfielder then went on to score both goals, securing a crucial win for Mikel Arteta’s side and bringing them within four points of league leaders Liverpool.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen acknowledged Sterling’s struggles, citing his lack of regular game time as a major factor.
“The only thing I would say to back him up is that when you don’t play regularly, it really affects your rhythm,” Owen said.
“I remember towards the end of my career, when I wasn’t playing a lot, it was hard to suddenly start and feel in sync. You could see Sterling almost tripping over himself at times.”
Owen believes that Merino’s match-winning performance will now push Sterling to a bench role.
“He’s probably going to be an impact sub now because Merino is going to take his place. At his age, he doesn’t have many opportunities left he’s got to take his chances while he can.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright also expressed concern over Sterling’s form, noting his hesitancy and lack of confidence.
“It’s been sad to watch Raheem in this Arsenal period,” Wright admitted. “He’s had a great opportunity to prove he still has something left, but for some reason, he just can’t find the spark.
There’s hesitancy in his game, some apprehension it just feels like it’s not happening for him.”
With Arsenal’s squad dealing with injuries, Sterling was given a rare start, but his inability to impress has raised questions about his future. If his struggles continue, Wright wonders which clubs will be willing to take a chance on him.
“This was his opportunity to prove himself,” Wright added. “But if this form continues, you have to wonder who will come in for him after this?”
As Arsenal prepare for their next fixture, all signs point to Merino getting the nod over Sterling in Arteta’s starting XI.