Arsenal will be looking to bounce back strongly after the international break, following a challenging run of form.
The Gunners have gone four Premier League games without a win and are still searching for their first victory this month. This slump has left them nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool—a gap they’ll be determined to close.
However, ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has been particularly critical of one of Arsenal’s summer signings, accusing him of having “done zero” since arriving at the Emirates.
Steve Nicol labels Raheem Sterling the worst signing of the season
Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea in a last-minute deadline-day deal, has struggled to make an impact. The winger has made eight appearances for Arsenal, starting four times and scoring just one goal.
Nicol didn’t hold back in his assessment, naming Sterling as the worst signing in the Premier League so far this season. His claim left some of his colleagues puzzled. Dan Thomas remarked, “Sterling seems a weird one, Stevie, out of everyone…”
Nicol doubled down, responding: “What’s he done?” When Thomas countered, “But what did you expect him to do? He’s going to be playing bits and pieces…” Nicol elaborated:
“Let’s be honest, what has he done? He’s done zero. I mean, at the very least, come on and give Martinelli and Saka on the other side a break and push the rest of the players to be better. I mean, just all the things, all the reasons that he was brought. You know, use your experience, push the other two to be better, give them competition, and then when you do get a chance, make it count. I mean, he’s done nothing, absolutely zero. (I expected) more than zero, I expected more than nothing at all, absolutely. Okay, call me crazy, but if you sign somebody and they do nothing, that’s not good.”
Arsenal players and staff defend Sterling
Despite Nicol’s harsh critique, others at Arsenal have been more supportive of Sterling. Manager Mikel Arteta recently described him as “exceptional,” while teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko highlighted Sterling’s potential to be a game-changer.
“He’s the guy who can always make the difference,” Zinchenko said. “The impact he can have for any team around the world is amazing, honestly. I know him well, and the skills and the desire—when he wants to on his day, he’s unstoppable.”
Arsenal’s next opportunity to turn their fortunes around comes on Saturday when they face high-flying Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
