Raheem Sterling’s Early Exit Surprises Arsenal Faithful
When Raheem Sterling left the pitch at halftime during Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Everton, nobody saw it coming—especially not after he played a key part in the opening goal. Sterling may have been in and out of the spotlight this season, but his slick connection with Leandro Trossard in the 34th minute lit up the first half at the Emirates. The two veterans took advantage of a sloppy moment at the back from Everton, and Sterling’s pinpoint ball gave Trossard a simple finish. Notably, this was the first time in four years that two Arsenal players aged 30 or older combined for a goal in the league, a rare occurrence in the club’s modern era.
The jubilation didn’t last. Everton hit back before the break, with Iliman Ndiaye slotting home from the penalty spot after a clumsy scrap in Arsenal’s box. The first half ended 1-1, and when the players re-emerged, Sterling was the most notable absentee, swapped out for Gabriel Martinelli. That tactical tweak from Mikel Arteta almost immediately became the hottest topic on Arsenal Twitter. Why bench the man who just set up the opening goal?
Arteta’s Decision Sparks Heated Fan Debate
Social media was instantly ablaze with theories about Sterling’s substitution. Some fans guessed he was carrying a knock or running low on stamina, since the 30-year-old has had patchy form and mixed injury luck this campaign. Others saw it as a pure tactical call, perhaps with Arteta looking to inject speed and fresh legs through Martinelli down the left flank. Either way, supporters felt Sterling had warranted a longer run out based on his first half performance, especially as Arsenal needed experience and guile to break down a desperate Everton side fighting relegation.
Sterling’s journey at Arsenal so far has been under the microscope—joining with big expectations, but having to fight for every minute on the pitch as Arteta shuffles his pack. Fans have started to see flashes of the old Sterling, the player who can make things happen in tight games. Getting subbed after arguably being Arsenal’s best player in the first half left many claiming the manager got this particular call wrong.
Meanwhile, the draw meant another blow to Arsenal’s already shaky title chances. Now sitting 11 points adrift of Liverpool, pressure is mounting on Arteta to avoid costly decisions and keep the team in the hunt. For Everton, bagging a point at the Emirates is priceless in their struggle to avoid the drop. But for Arsenal, and for Raheem Sterling, the debate about roles, rotations, and the road ahead just heated up even more.
- Jun, 2 2025
- Cassius Montgomery
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