Arsenal vs. Liverpool: Arsene Wenger Sides with Raheem Sterling over Reds Exit

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at Liverpool's handling of Raheem Sterling's exit from Anfield, criticising the north-west giants for allowing the winger to join Manchester City.

Wenger spoke in depth about Sterling's exit—and the reasons why the Reds will regret allowing the England international to move to the Etihad Stadium in a £49 million deal, as quoted by Paul Brown of the Daily Star:

"

I personally rate Raheem Sterling, we will see that in the longer term. I personally don't think that Sterling was making a lot of drama, it's just during the transfer window that that happened. During the season the boy was quiet, never made any stupid statement, I don't think he made too much noise. Will they miss him? He's a quality player. But they bought Firmino, we will see what he will produce, he is a similar player.

But let's remember two years ago with Suarez, Sturridge, Sterling - they scored over a hundred goals. Score more than a hundred goals in the Premier League, you need special quality to do that, and Sterling was part of that.

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The 20-year-old grabbed his first assist of his City career Sunday, per WhoScored.com, and has played with maturity in his opening games in a Sky Blues shirt.

Sterling was central to Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers' plans in the previous term but soon fell out of favour as his contract talks fell flat, and the attacker's contributions dried up.

Sterling played 43 times for the Reds in the Premier League and Europe last year but returned only seven goals and eight assists as his form evaporated.

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However, the depths of Wenger's comments are inflammatory, with Rodgers' hand being forced as City began their charm offensive on the youngster.

But Sterling's potential—highlighted by the Arsenal manager—is there to see, with the attacker looking to be in great form against Everton.

Sterling played his left-side berth to perfection, with Squawka sharing his numbers:

Liverpool have started the new campaign in fine fettle, with a newly acquired defensive steel to their play. The new signings have slotted in well, with the experience of James Milner sure to influence how robust Rodgers' side will be this season.

Arsenal failed in their opening match against West Ham, losing to the Hammers despite dominating the game, and Liverpool are likely to take the blueprint from the contest to stop the Gunners in their tracks.

Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Philippe Coutinho is the key player in the two clubs' Monday night showdown, saying the Brazilian has the depth of quality to hurt Arsenal:

"

He is brilliant and he has carried on from last season. He was Liverpool's player of the season last year and he scored a wonder goal at Stoke and was the best player on the pitch against Bournemouth. Probably the next step for Philippe Coutinho is to put in a few performances especially away from home against the really big teams.

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Wenger's criticisms of Liverpool's handling of Sterling should not detract from the match, and they might even serve to help Rodgers further motivate his team.

There will be life after Sterling for the Reds, and the money they invested in Roberto Firmino could prove Rodgers was right to accept City's bid.

The Gunners must make sure they do not make the same errors they did in their opening game, with Liverpool having the power of Christian Benteke to cause the north Londoners' defence a myriad of issues.

If Rodgers' side can hit their best form Monday night, they have an excellent chance of obtaining a positive result at the Emirates.