Viv Anderson sees Raheem Sterling as Arsenal's game-changer in title race

Having found himself frozen out by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, Sterling secured a dramatic deadline-day season-long loan move across to north London.

The 29-year-old forward, who worked with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta at Manchester City, was not signed in time to feature in the ill-tempered 1-1 draw at home to Brighton last weekend when midfielder Declan Rice was shown a controversial red card.

Arteta could hand Sterling his Arsenal debut when Premier League action resumes with the north London derby at Tottenham on September 15.

Anderson joined the Gunners from Nottingham Forest and went on to help George Graham's side win the 1987 League Cup final.

The 68-year-old, who later had spells at Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and Middlesbrough, feels Sterling's characteristics will prove a good fit for Arsenal's current attack-minded squad.

"It is going to be difficult because clearly Manchester City are the team to beat," Anderson said.

"But Raheem Sterling has come in on loan until the end of the season, and he is a really good player who can turn games.

"The manager's signings have been good and I like what I see at Arsenal, so they have got a chance of bridging that gap (to City)."

Anderson, who is a long-time supporter of Prostate Cancer UK, added: "You could say Arsenal need a centre forward like (Erling) Haaland who is going to score them 20-odd league goals, but Kai Havertz has started quite well.

"So if he can continue to get in the positions to score the goals, and is up there with 15 or 16, maybe even 20, then you are going to be thereabouts.

"With the likes of Sterling, (Bukayo) Saka and Gabriel (Magalhaes) at the back, Arsenal have got some really good players, so it is going to be close."

READ MORE: Mats Hummels joins AS Roma to strengthen defence