Ian Wright fears things are still ‘not clicking’ for Raheem Sterling at Arsenal with his lack of chemistry with Ben White against Bournemouth a problem.
Sterling made the move across the capital to join the Gunners on a season-long loan from Chelsea, starting three games in all competitions so far this season.
The former Manchester City star was handed a starting role in the 2-1 win over Southampton, keeping his place in the side last weekend with Bukayo Saka missing out with a hamstring injury suffered on international duty.
Sterling’s evening lasted just 37 minutes, sacrificed by Mikel Arteta following William Saliba’s red card with Jakub Kiwior brought onto shore things up at the back as Arsenal fell to a 2-0 defeat.
Former Gunners star Wright believes his old side were outworked by the Cherries with Antoine Semenyo causing them particular problems.
Wright also pointed out a lack of chemistry between Sterling and regular right-back White as another issue.
‘Going into the game, the way Bournemouth play and how hard they work… we couldn’t deal with Semenyo in that game,’ Wright told Stick to Football.
‘Raheem Sterling and Ben White, they haven’t got the same chemistry as White and Saka and what we saw is how much you miss someone like Saka.
‘Semenyo as too much for us, we couldn’t deal with him. Raheem… it is still not quite clicking for Raheem. I didn’t expect us to lose the game but when you look at the mistakes you should get punished and we did.’
Sterling has made seven appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, registering his only goal and assist in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton.
Saka remains a doubt for the visit of Liverpool this weekend with the Sterling pushing for another starting role against his former side if the England international is not deemed fit enough.
Arsenal will also be without the suspended Saliba and injured Martin Odegaard with Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori also injury doubts.
Source link