As Arsenal prepares for a crucial clash against Manchester City, Mikel Arteta faces a pivotal decision, to drop Gabriel Martinelli and unleash Raheem Sterling.
After a promising start, Martinelli’s form has dipped significantly, leading to a noticeable drop in confidence.
Although he is fit, a place on the substitutes’ bench could serve him well, allowing Sterling to step into a role where he can thrive against his former club.
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Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, is eager to reignite his career, and starting him in a more prominent attacking position may be just what he needs.
The English winger’s skill set aligns perfectly with Arsenal’s style, particularly if Martinelli is side-lined. Given Martinelli’s struggles, introducing Sterling could unlock a new dimension in Arsenal’s attack.
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With Kai Havertz currently in good form, the link-up between him and Sterling—which flourished at Chelsea—could be a game-changer.
Havertz’s ability to hold up play and create space allows Sterling to exploit defences effectively.
As the focal point of Arsenal’s attack, Havertz could enhance Sterling’s performance, potentially leading to significant opportunities against a strong City side.
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On the right, Bukayo Saka remains an essential part of the Gunners’ strategy. His consistency ensures he retains his starting spot, while Leandro Trossard could provide valuable support, either as a second striker or an attacking midfielder.
Trossard’s versatility and creativity would complement Saka’s pace and dribbling, making Arsenal’s attack more fluid and unpredictable.
In sum, dropping Martinelli could be the key to unlocking Sterling’s potential and revitalizing Arsenal’s offense in a challenging fixture against Manchester City.