In a surprising admission ahead of Arsenal’s highly anticipated Premier League showdown against Chelsea, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has conceded he made a costly error by not fielding Raheem Sterling in the Gunners’ recent defeats.

Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea in the summer, has remained on the bench for Arsenal’s last two losses: a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League and a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League.

His absence has raised questions among fans, with many wondering if his pace and creativity might have changed the outcome in these crucial matches.

Arteta acknowledged his mistake, admitting that he should have relied on Sterling’s skill set. “That was a decision of mine, nothing to do with Raz,” Arteta revealed.

“Somebody got it wrong, and it was me.” He elaborated, saying, “It’s the feeling that you have and the understanding of how you can damage the opponent and picking a different player with a different profile for that moment.”

While Arteta emphasized that the decision was his alone, he hinted that Sterling remains integral to Arsenal’s campaign.

When asked if the 29-year-old forward has a “big role to play” this season, Arteta responded decisively: “Yes.”

Chelsea fans may feel a sense of relief knowing that Sterling, as a loaned player, will be ineligible to play against his parent club at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

However, Arteta’s recent comments indicate that Chelsea loanee could still make a significant impact for Arsenal in other games this season.