Again and again, television cameras criticized Raheem Sterling with a stone face during Arsenal 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
In 76 minutes, Mikel Arteta had brought Kieran Tierney, who leaves the club to return to Celtic this summer, to play on the left wing instead of Sterling.
It was a revealing moment that reflects how far the winner of the Premier League of England of 82 capitalizations and the four -time winner of the Premier League has reduced the hierarchical order of Arteta, and personified a loan movement that has not worked as planned.
On Wednesday, it seems that it is the last opportunity for the redemption of the 30 -year -old player in a Arsenal shirt. The Gunners face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League the last 16 -second match at Emirates Stadium in a total dead rubber.
Arsenal 7-1 delivered in the Netherlands last week leaves this game as a free success in which Arteta will rotate his team before a crucial match.
But for Sterling, on Wednesday it is of greater importance that is aimed at a summer in which he could bed at Limbo with two more years of his Chelsea contract to execute.
On Wednesday, it seems that it is Raheem Sterling's last opportunity in redemption in a Arsenal shirt
For Sterling, on Wednesday it is of greater importance that is aimed at a summer where he could bed at Limbo with two more years of his Chelsea contract.
Although the issues had not come out in the way in which they had wanted in terms of game time, it is understood that Sterling is still happy to have made the movement towards Arsenal
Mail sport Understand that Sterling is very rational in his thinking and is ready to play a role whenever he is requested in Arsenal. However, it cannot be denied that the lack of game time has been disappointing.
Although the issues had not come out in the way in which he had wanted it in terms of game time, it is understood that Sterling is still happy to move to Arsenal. He was desperate to find a Chelsea departure after being banished by Enzo Maresca and denied access to the first team's facilities. It is understood that the situation became so bad that the PFA was called, as well as employment lawyers.
However, the move north of London was not in the cards first. Mail sport Understand that Sterling was initially preparing to move to Manchester United in a loan in August.
The key people in United had spoken very well about Sterling, having worked with him before; Sports director Dan Ashworth (former Elite Development Director), technical director Jason Wilcox (former Academy director at Manchester City) and Omar Berrada (former soccer operations officer in the city), all served for the player.
The stars seemed to have aligned. United also expected Sterling to provide a Big Brother figure for the difficult Marcus Rashford. But PSR rules, that United are dangerously close, are paid to the extent that occurs. Crystal Palace and Tottenham were also in search of their firm.
It is likely that the Gunners had not opted for Sterling if they knew how much Ethan Nwaneri would develop in such a short time. The 17 -year -old has been identified for a long time as a flourishing talent, but the club in northern London did not want to hurry its development.
It was the lesion in the hamstrings to Bukayo Saka on December 21 against Crystal Palace that pushed the young man to the center of the stage, since he made his debut in the League against Brentford on New Year's Day and has begun the last four games. Nwaneri has already reached impressive eight goals this season.
The launch of Arsenal to Sterling was that it would not enter as a starter, but would reinforce the left and right wings. In his mind, it was going to be a reinforcement for Gabriel Martinelli and Saka.
It is likely that the Gunners had not opted for Sterling if they knew how much Ethan Nwaneri would develop in such a short time.
Those around him are surprised that he has not given an opportunity in the middle as a striker, particularly after Kai Havertz's injury
Those who surround it are surprised that there has been no chance in the middle as a striker, particularly after Kai Havertz's injury.
His limited game time in the first half of this season did not justify elevated eyebrows due to the three Arsenal strikers of Saka, Hvertz and Gabriel Martinelli. Most players throughout the league would fight to enter the team before such a trio.
It is from February, after the ischiotibial that ended the Havertz season remained during the Dubai trip of the Club of Northern London, which has been more difficult to decipher.
In terms of the relationship between Arteta and Sterling, it is different compared to when Arteta was an assistant coach in Man City between 2016 and 2019, where the end was at its best.
It was said that the couple was 'attached to the hip' in Man City, since Arteta spent hours experiencing when using it in different positions in training.
They joined very well and still speak regularly. It is understood that the player respects the transparency his boss shows, which includes in the team's team, regardless of how difficult the news is. But, of course, there is a difference in communicating with a boss that an assistant coach.
Returning to the game team, Sin Saka, Martinelli, who only just returned from a United Nedy injury, and Hvertz, a place for sterling in the three strikers was there for the shot.
In the 2-0 victory of the Gunners over Leicester on February 15, Sterling, again and again, was frustrated while trying to face the opponents in an exhibition in disagreement with what he has produced in the past seasons.
In terms of the relationship between Mikel Arteta and Sterling, it is different compared to when Arteta was an assistant coach in Man City between 2016 and 2019
It is believed that Arteta's aversity to play Sterling is due to a reluctant to wait for confidence and impulse to generate
That sharp and daring player, who could leave an opponent for dust or use his silky drip skills to navigate in narrow areas, was difficult to find. Since then, a league match has not started.
It is said that the end works tirelessly in training and has a strong desire to play. His energy behind the scene has particularly highlighted those surrounding the club.
When it comes to why it has not had an impact, there are several factors. One is a lack of game time this season. The end has only started four league games and just when it began to build some rhythm, it suffered a knee injury in mid -December; They are not ideal circumstances to generate impulse or trust.
Mail Sport understands that he hastened to make himself available without being completely shape due to Saka's hamstrings injury.
The former man from England has influenced young people like Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in training, helping to provide advice
Sterling will return to Chelsea this summer with his career at Limbo and two years left in his contract in Stamford Bridge
It is believed that the aversity of Arteta to play Sterling is due to a reluctance to wait for him to generate trust and impulse, opting instead to choose players who are ready here and now.
However, he was signed for more than his on the impact of launch. The former man of England has influenced young people like Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skell in training, helping to provide advice. That has included guidance on how to navigate the media.
For Arsenal, the agreement to bring it is still considered financially cunning. They only pay 30 percent (£ 97,500) of their weekly salaries of £ 325,000.
What is certain that the time for Sterling to have an impact on Arsenal is rapidly exhausted?