Theo Walcott shares why Raheem Sterling and Arsenal are a ‘match made in heaven’ ahead of debut v Tottenham

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Raheem Sterling could be in line for his Arsenal debut tomorrow when the Gunners take on Tottenham in the north London derby.

Sterling’s arrival in the final few hours of the window was met with a mixed reaction in the main but now the season is back underway after the international break, Arsenal fans are keen to see him play.

Furthermore, with Martin Odegaard picking up an injury on international duty and Declan Rice suspended, there’s a real chance for Sterling to make an impact v Spurs.

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Of course, Sterling is an experienced player and will relish the big occasions like this.

And after Paul Merson suggested Sterling is the ‘ace up the sleeve‘ for Mikel Arteta, Theo Walcott has now explained why he believes Arsenal and Sterling are perfect for each other.

Why Raheem Sterling is ideal for Arsenal

Speaking about Sterling and Arsenal being good for each other in comments for the BBC, Walcott has insisted the England man will be perfect at Arsenal.

“I look at the Raheem Sterling signing and think it’s absolutely a match made in heaven because Raheem is now in a stable group that dominates the ball and enjoys playing their football,” Walcott said.

“There’s no more chopping and changing managers or uncertainty of whether he is or isn’t going to play. There is definitely a togetherness within the whole group.

“The beautiful thing about Raheem is that he can play in any of those three positions up front or even in that 10 position behind the striker. He’s going to be able to take a little bit of pressure off of Saka because Saka plays a lot of football. He’ll put pressure on Trossard and Martinelli to get in the starting 11.

“He’s a winner and is now in an environment where he is loved.”

Sterling could be an instant hero for Arsenal fans

There won’t be many better ways out there to make an impression than by playing and scoring in a north London derby on debut.

But that’s the situation Raheem Sterling is finding himself in right now and come tomorrow, he has a chance at being an instant hero for Arsenal fans.

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Sterling could even become the first Arsenal player to score against Tottenham on debut for over 80 years.

Sterling knows just what’s required to win these big games having influenced Manchester and Merseyside derbies in the past.

The England winger, then, could well be a difference maker when it all comes together tomorrow.