Positives & negatives from Arsenal's 2-0 win at Leicester

Negative #2: Raheem Sterling can't get going

There's no faulting Sterling's application, but the wait for a tangible end product is getting boring. Things just aren't clicking into gear for Sterling on the flanks, where his combination play remains ponderous at best.

Clever off-the-ball movement is still noticeable, but this Arsenal side isn't geared to teeing Sterling up with tap-ins the way Manchester City once did for fun. There simply aren't enough technicians in the engine room and creative department to fashion those kinds of chances in the numbers Sterling needs.

Waiting to find his right role in this squad is leaving Sterling a frustrated figure. The 30-year-old's best contribution was to make way for Merino on 69 minutes, but Arsenal will still need Sterling as the season enters its critical phase.

Determining how best to use him is tricky, but a back-to-basics approach has some merit. Arteta ought to consider using Sterling's pace and smart running through the middle.

A few lightning darts from an experienced player can break up the proverbial low blocks even a striker-less Arsenal team can still expect to face. Breaking down those barriers will be vital if Arteta's men are going to pip Liverpool to the title.

That seemed fanciful to even say out aloud a few weeks ago, but now the possibility is real.

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