"This stinker really pissed me off", "Should leave after this match" - Fans slam Arsenal star despite 3-2 win over Palace in EFL Cup

Arsenal fans on X have blasted Raheem Sterling for his underwhelming performance during their 3-2 win against Crystal Palace. The two sides faced each other in the EFL Cup quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, December 18.

Jean-Philippe Mateta gave the Eagles the lead in the fourth minute after Jakub Kiwior struggled to deal with a long ball. Sterling had a golden opportunity to equalize in the second half after receiving the ball at the back post. Despite only having Dean Henderson to beat, the 30-year-old fired his shot at the former, before seeing his rebound strike the woodwork.

Fortunately for Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus stepped up to the plate in the 54th minute to score via a delightful chip. The Brazilian netted twice more (73', 81') to complete his hat-trick. Eddie Nketiah scored a brilliant header against his former club to make it 3-2 in the 85th minute, but the Gunners defended well to secure the win.

In addition to missing two big chances, Sterling struggled against Palace, losing nine duels. One fan reacted by posting:

"This sterling stinker really pissed me off."

Another fan posted:

"Sterling should leave after this match regardless of the result."

Other fans reacted below:

"Sterling starving in a everybody eats," one fan commented

"Sterling has been a massive disappointment," another added

"Sterling should have gone to Saudi while he could have," one fan insisted

"Unbelievable Gabriel Jesus scores a hattrick for Arsenal. Arteta game is underrated. Sterling needs to give up on football," another chimed in

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How has Raheem Sterling fared for Arsenal this season?

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal showed great resilience to come back from behind to defeat Crystal Palace 3-2 to book their spot in the EFL Cup semi-finals. However, Raheem Sterling failed to impress in the encounter after being given a rare start.

The Gunners signed Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea over the summer. However, the England international has struggled to integrate himself into Arteta's starting XI, making just 11 appearances across competitions (five starts). He has scored one goal and provided two assists to date.

Despite Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard being ahead of him in the pecking order, Sterling will aim to redeem himself in the Gunners' next fixture. They next face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, December 21.