Arsenal’s current campaign has taken a disheartening turn, with the team struggling to reclaim their early season form.
Star winger Bukayo Saka, who has been pivotal to the team’s success in recent seasons, is now facing criticism and has even been labeled the “flop of the season” due to his recurring injury troubles.
This backlash underscores the mounting pressure on the Gunners to turn their fortunes around.
The London club is preparing for a must-win Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Arsenal’s winless run in their last four league matches — including draws against Liverpool and Chelsea and defeats to Bournemouth and Newcastle — has left them nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
With the busy festive schedule fast approaching, the Gunners are desperate to reignite their season.
Manager Mikel Arteta is facing an uphill battle, especially with uncertainty surrounding the fitness of key players like Saka and Declan Rice, both of whom missed international duty with England.
Arteta has been tight-lipped about the extent of their injuries, fueling speculation about their availability for Saturday’s fixture.
On a brighter note, Leandro Trossard appears to have escaped a serious injury during Belgium’s match against Israel, and he could feature against Forest.
Sterling’s Struggles Continue
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling’s loan spell at Arsenal has failed to live up to expectations.
The former Chelsea forward has struggled to make an impact, contributing just one goal — in a Carabao Cup victory over Bolton.
His lackluster performances have drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike, with Stan Collymore branding him one of the “season’s biggest disappointments.”
Collymore stated: “Sterling was expected to bring experience and elevate the team’s morale.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t delivered. Arsenal needed a leader, and Sterling hasn’t stepped up to the challenge.”
As Arsenal prepares for a decisive period in their campaign, Arteta and his squad must rise to the occasion, with the Forest match serving as a litmus test for their resolve and ambitions this season.