Mikel Arteta has been playing one Arsenal player in the wrong position and it was obvious vs Girona - opinion

Yesterday at 05:04 PM

Mikel Arteta decided to make a few important changes for Arsenal's 2-1 victory against Girona in the Champions League.

The game came at a time when talk around Arsenal has predominantly been about what striker they might sign before deadline day, rather than what game they'll be playing next.

But in addition to Wednesday night's tricky tie against Girona, Arsenal will also play Manchester City on Sunday before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Fortunately for Arteta, his side did manage to win in Spain without too much strain, a game that was jovially dubbed as the 'Sverre Nypan' derby, with both sides competing for the Norwegian's signature.

Arsenal are confident of signing Nypan, but a deal isn't over the line just yet.

Mikel Arteta has been playing Raheem Sterling in the wrong position

Putting the focus back on the players who are already playing for Arsenal, Raheem Sterling was one of those who Arteta restored to his starting line up against Girona.

And although he still wasn't at the levels we once saw in a Man City or Liverpool shirt, Sterling was much better than he had been of late for the Gunners.

READ MORE: Arsenal readying bid for £25m striker who hasn't scored a single goal this season

The 30-year-old got a rare chance to start on the left of Arsenal's attack rather than the right, given that Ethan Nwaneri is now back fit.

And although Arteta's hand has been forced at times, Sterling's performance looked to demonstrate that his previous offerings have been hindered by him playing out of position.

On the left, Sterling looked far more natural, he was instinctively linking with teammates and had a bit of arrogance about his game, something that's been missing of late.

Nwaneri was obviously the star of the show for Arsenal, but it was also excellent to see Sterling playing with more confidence, a big boost given the games to come.

Raheem Sterling improves despite missed penalty against Girona

Of course, Sterling will need to improve further to command a starting position in Arsenal's most crucial fixtures on the horizon – he's competing with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left.

But after his 90 minutes against Girona, it's simply undeniable that Sterling is so much better on the left, and it was a nice moment when he was handed his penalty late on, even if he wasn't able to score.

Of course, Arsenal have been linked with Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich, a striker who is quite handy as a left-winger himself.

But it has to be imagined that were Tel to arrive, he'd be Kai Havertz's back up through the middle of the attack first and foremost.

Another good win for the Gunners, and a better night for Sterling.