What Pep Guardiola once said about Arsenal star Raheem Sterling playing as a striker is interesting after Kai Havertz’s injury

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Arsenal have a big problem in attack after Kai Havertz’s injury.

The Germany international was initially brought in to play in midfield, but after a difficult start to life in North London, he was moved up top.

Havertz, despite all the criticism, was brilliant in the second half of last season, and he is their top scorer in this campaign as well.

Sadly, his season is over after he suffered a hamstring injury that requires surgery. Mikel Arteta has a decision to make now over who will start in his position.

What Pep Guardiola has said about Raheem Sterling playing as a striker

Arsenal only have three fit attackers right now – Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling.

The Gunners’ decision to not sign a new forward in the winter transfer window has backfired. They are now severely short of options and need to navigate somehow until Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli return from their injuries in March.

Trossard is the obvious candidate to play up top following Havertz’s injury, but Arteta has tipped Sterling as a potential striker option too.

The Arsenal manager knows the Englishman very well having worked with him for many years at Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola deployed him as a striker there on several occasions, and the City boss’ verdict about Sterling in that role should excite Arsenal supporters.

Speaking about Sterling in November 2019 – a month before Arteta left Manchester City for Arsenal, Guardiola told his club’s official website: “Since we started this [pre] season in China and the Community Shield he’s scored one goal minimum every game.

“On the first day, he played as a striker and for me, striker will be an incredible position for him. He can play in three positions up front.

“They’re incredibly talented players but they need the group…. When the team takes a step forward he plays better. But I know the special quality of the player, the consistent physicality and the finishing.”

READ MORE: How Raheem Sterling has previously fared as a striker after Arsenal lose Kai Havertz for the season

Raheem Sterling vs Leandro Trossard stats compared as strikers

The ideal scenario for Arsenal now would be a front three of Sterling on the left, Trossard through the middle and Nwaneri on the right.

But, the good thing for Arteta is that all three players can play across the frontline, so if one system is struggling, he can quickly change things up.

But, what do the stats say about Sterling and Trossard as strikers?

Stats show that Sterling fares better through the middle when compared to Trossard, so we won’t be surprised at all if Arteta uses the Englishman up top.

However, we think Sterling’s pace makes him a lot more effective in the wider areas – Trossard is not as quick as him and struggles him beat his man for pace.

Arsenal take on Leicester City in the early game on Saturday. It will be interesting to see who will get the nod up front.