Jamie Redknapp was unimpressed with Raheem Sterling’s performance in Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Gunners arrived on the south coast unbeaten but they saw it William Saliba sent off after just 30 minutes, they lost 2-0 in what could be a damaging result in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal had to cope without some key players, with Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka all sidelined for the trip to the Vitality Stadium.
Raheem Sterling was the man who replaced Saka in the starting eleven. However, he was sacrificed in the 37th minute when Mikel Arteta brought on an extra defender following Saliba’s red card.
Even before then, Sterling didn’t look sharp, didn’t attempt a shot or create a chance, while missing four of his 10 passes, completing just one dribble and winning just one of his four floor duels.
Redknapp criticizes Raheem Sterling as Saka’s replacement
What didn’t help Sterling was playing on the right side. Saka generally looks to cut inside with his left foot for shots on goal, while he is also very adept at delivering dangerous crosses into the box with his weaker foot.
Sterling was unable to catch Bournemouth’s defenders on the outside, leaving Arsenal limited in attack.
Sky Sports pundit Redknapp believes Sterling did little to suggest he can be a viable back-up for Saka.
“They’re going to miss (Bukayo) Saka, because as soon as he gets the ball something can happen,” said the former Tottenham, Liverpool and England midfielder. Sky Sports.
“Raheem Sterling is obviously a right-handed player, he plays on the right side, he doesn’t have the same flow that Saka gives you.
“You immediately look at the team sheet and think, right, we’ve got a real chance today, let’s get this Arsenal team – two of their most important players aren’t playing.”
