If it wasn't over already, Arsenal's dwindling title hopes have all but come crashing down on them after Mikel Arteta's men dropped yet more points, this time on their visit to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. The Red Devils have struggled at home domestically since Ruben Amorim arrived at the club but showed more spirit during Sunday's 1-1 draw.
The visitors, as expected, were comfortable in possession, often keeping hold of the ball inside the final third without doing too much to threaten Andre Onana. With the likes of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus all out injured, numbers in attack were slim for the Gunners. In theory, this would give Raheem Sterling the perfect opportunity to prove his worth after what has been a disappointing loan spell.
Sterling was once one of the most potent attackers in the Premier League, managing 20+ goal contributions for three seasons in a row under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. With Arteta being Guardiola's former assistant and having worked with Sterling before, there was hope the ex-England international would be able to reignite his career at the Emirates. However, one big decision from the Arsenal boss showcased just how little faith he has in the 30-year-old.
Arteta Opts for Strange Attacking Alternative Substitution in United Draw
When the Gunners needed a goal, a defender is put on in attack over Sterling
The title challengers started the afternoon with a front three of youngster Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Mikel Merino, the latter of whom acted as the focal point down the middle - a role that saw him grab a brace in a win over Leicester City. Sterling was named on the substitutes' bench that consisted of just one other attacking option, that being a returning Gabriel Martinelli, who was not yet fit to appear in the starting XI.
While the Brazilian did come on as the Gunners probed for an equaliser, Sterling remained motionless, barely getting off his seat to warm up, let alone threatening to actually make an entrance into proceedings. Instead, Arteta made a rather baffling choice that even seemed to startle Gary Neville on commentary.
With less than 15 minutes of the 90 left, Thomas Partey was replaced by left-back Kieran Tierney, perhaps in a sign that the Londoners were happy to settle for a point following Declan Rice's goal. Maybe Tierney would drop into a back three to let Myles Lewis-Skelly venture further forward.
That wasn't the case. Instead, the Scotsman moved into the front three, playing on the left as Leandro Trossard drifted centrally, Gabriel Martinelli moved over to the right, and Mikel Merino dropped back into midfield. When in need of a goal, Arteta showed more faith in a defender who has netted just three times in the Premier League and is definitely out the door in the summer, having agreed to return to Celtic, rather than a man who, while not in the best of form, is a natural attacker and could cause problems if he showed just a glimpse of what he has done in the past.