While the team secured a place in the semi-finals, reports suggest that Arteta was notably displeased with the contributions of some individuals during the match.
One player who reportedly drew Arteta’s ire was Raheem Sterling. According to Football.London, Arteta was observed “shouting toward Sterling to get into certain positions” throughout much of the first half. The report further notes that during the second half, multiple Arsenal players, including Gabriel Jesus, were seen urging Sterling to position himself closer to his teammates to “narrow the spaces” on the field.
Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, has struggled to make a significant impact at the Emirates Stadium. His performance against Crystal Palace, which included a missed opportunity from close range, has led to speculation about his future with the club. Despite being substituted in the 70th minute for Bukayo Saka—who later provided an assist—Sterling’s lackluster display has raised questions about his role in Arteta’s squad moving forward.
In his post-match press conference, Arteta expressed overall satisfaction with the team’s comeback but did not single out any player for criticism. He praised Gabriel Jesus for his hat-trick and acknowledged the impact of substitutes like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Arteta stated, “I’m so pleased for him [Jesus]… It’s now about consistency… We need to give him more chances because when a player is in that moment it’s important to continue that.”
However, the manager’s visible frustration during the match, particularly towards Sterling, suggests underlying concerns about individual performances. This incident has fueled discussions among fans and analysts about potential changes in the squad, especially with the January transfer window approaching.
As Arsenal prepares for upcoming fixtures, it remains to be seen how Arteta will address these performance issues. The team’s ability to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions may hinge on resolving internal challenges and ensuring all players align with the manager’s tactical expectations.
For a more in-depth understanding, you can watch Mikel Arteta’s full post-match press conference below:
