Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on forward Raheem Sterling following his performance against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.
The 82-time England international joined the Gunners in a shock loan deal from Chelsea at the end of the summer transfer window in a bid to earn more first-team football.
Prior to Wednesday night, Sterling — who has 123 Premier League goals to his name for Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea combined to date — had played 27 minutes across two Premier League and Champions League substitute appearances as he built up match fitness.
But on Wednesday, he was given the nod as Arsenal welcomed Bolton to the Emirates Stadium in the third round of the EFL Cup.
Arteta was rewarded with a superb performance from Sterling, who notched his first goal and assist for the club in a dominant 5-1 win.
Arteta praises Arsenal star Raheem Sterling
Even against League One opposition, Arsenal fans will be delighted by Sterling’s performance given the experience and quality the 29-year-old can potentially offer in their bid to lift the Premier League title.
Arteta was certainly impressed by what he saw, especially when it comes to Sterling’s fitness.
“Yeah, it’s very good. I think he’s getting better and better,” Arteta told reporters after Wednesday’s win (via Arsenal’s official website).
He added: “I think physically you can tell that he’s making steps. The moment the game opened up a little bit, you know, what he can do, how he can deliver. He was involved in a few goals, so, very positive night for him.
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