Raheem Sterling warning looms large over Mikel Arteta after Southampton disappointment

Mikel Arteta will have the nagging voice of former Arsenal ace in the back of his mind following the Gunners’ less-than-convincing victory over strugglers Southampton.

It had looked like being another disappointing day out against the south coast outfit, with Arsenal having failed to beat Southampton in each of their previous three outings.

Arsenal’s last meeting against Southampton was the game that arguably killed their 2022/23 title challenge, with Arteta and co. only able to muster up a draw at home to the side who just a couple of weeks later were relegated to the Championship.

Saturday’s encounter had a similar feel, with Southampton once again taking the lead, this time Cameron Archer opening the scoring for the visitors at the Emirates Stadium.

Unlike two years ago, Arsenal turned this one around, levelling up via Kai Havertz, with Gabriel Martinelli coming off the bench to complete the comeback and Bukayo Saka making sure of the three points with a third late on.

But the performance, particularly that of summer signing Raheem Sterling, has raised some unwanted doubts for Arteta.

Starting for the first time in the Premier League for Arsenal, Sterling served up an uninspiring display, registering two (both off target) shots, while creating just one chance during his 60-minute cameo.

It comes after ex-Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit blasted the decision to bring Sterling in following the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Team Talk in September, the former midfielder commented: “I think Raheem Sterling was a panic buy from Arsenal. They just wanted to get someone in before the transfer window closed.

“They were looking at so many different players for months and didn’t get any of them, including a number nine.

“Everyone knows the quality that Sterling can produce and everyone knows what to expect from him, in both a good and bad way on the pitch.

“He doesn’t behave badly off the pitch and he always tries to give 100%, but sometimes he has so many bad qualities including his consistency.

“Arsenal needed to sign a winger to bring competition for Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, but I honestly think this was just a panic buy.”

Arteta won’t be fretting over the move just yet, but if Sterling continues to underwhelm in the starting XI for Arsenal, the legitimacy of the transfer could be called into question.

Sterling was signed to provide cover for Arsenal’s at-times stretched squad ahead of what promised to be another long and demanding season.

If Arteta can’t rely on the Englishman, Sterling’s loan spell at the Emirates is unlikely to be a successful one.