Sterling was caught offside twice and failed to register a shot on target. He was dribbled past four times and lost possession on 12 occasions in 69 minutes.
Mikel Merino replaced him off the bench against the Foxes. The Spaniard made an instant impact as a makeshift striker, scoring two goals in six minutes.
Speaking ahead of today’s London derby against West Ham United, Arteta said that the Gunners ‘really need’ Sterling to perform amid the ongoing injury crisis.
He said (via BBC Sport): “He has to have it because we really need him.
“Raheem is so experienced, and like many other players, we know that what you did yesterday is not whether it was really good or not. That could be relevant to the next game, to the next action.
“He’s fully focused, he’s trained really well this week, and he is ready to go again.”
Arsenal are presently without four of their main attackers in Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus with injuries. Havertz and Jesus are out for the campaign.
Saka and Martinelli could ideally return after the international break. Until then, the pressure is on Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Sterling to step up every game.
Sterling’s dreadful showing at the King Power Stadium could see him drop to the bench today.
We anticipate Trossard to start in his preferred left-wing position with Merino playing upfront.
Merino has similar traits as Havertz with his strong hold-up play and aerial presence. He was clinical with his finishing last weekend and deserves to lead the line in the derby.
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