WISH UPON A STER

Arteta desperately needs his Raheem to come true

- ALAN SMITH

MIKEL ARTETA has told Raheem Sterling the time has come to make a big impact on Arsenal's season.

Struggling Sterling, on loan for the season from Chelsea, is expected to make just a fifth league start for Arsenal today, with the Gunners missing four key attackers through injury ahead of West Ham's visit.

His only goal has come in the Carabao Cup, while he has provided just a single league assist.

And after Mikel Merino scored twice after replacing Sterling late on at Leicester last week, there is fresh pressure on the forward as he could soon be snubbed in favour of a midfielder.