Gervinho arrived at the Emirates last summer amongst a shroud of uncertainty. Whilst he wasn’t the household name signing that fans had been hoping for his record in France stood him in good stead. Still, it was difficult to know what to expect. Was this going to be a typical bit of Wenger transfer magic, or would the Gunner’s be acquiring another damp squib? As the season has progressed, I’m not sure that things have gotten any clearer.
Though Arsenal have been in sparkling form in recent weeks, Gervinho has simply been going through the motions. The pace of games against AC Milan and Newcastle seemed to be too much and entire portions of both matches just passed him by. Then there was his miss against the Toon which, had he contrived to convert it rather than snatch at it and hit it wide, would have wrapped up the 3 points for Arsenal much sooner than the 94th minute.
But it’s misses like this that have characterised his season so far. Yes he has scored four goals this season for Arsenal, but he has been presented with many more chances. Whilst it’s good that he has the wherewithal to get into goal-scoring positions, at this level he needs to add some clinicality to his game.
In his defence: it’s his first season in the Premier League. New signings are usually granted a season judgement-free whilst they settle into their new surroundings. I agree that Gervinho should be granted the same privilege, but find it hard to extend it when I see the kind of chances he is missing.
Surely there has to be some kind of base, natural goal-scoring instinct prevalent within all decent forwards? Unfortunately this seems to be missing from the Gerv’s game and since he’ll be 25-years-old within a couple of months I doubt he’s going to suddenly find it. This is a player who should be past the development stage and delivering the goods.
Then of course, there’s the African Cup of Nations, which he took part in this season (and will take part in next season) which has clearly taken a lot out of him. He was a big part of this Arsenal squad before he went away and since he got back he hasn’t really fit in. It’s sad to see a tournament like this really suck the energy out of players and offer little back in return.
He’s obviously low on confidence, but I think we’ve seen enough of him this season to suggest that he’s worth preserving in. Whilst the jury remains out, he has a natural ability to ghost past players, beat his man and make intricate little touches around the penalty box. Whilst he’s not providing goals, he’s got the ability to unlock defences and this is important for an Arsenal side against whom opposition sides often opt to park the bus.
As such, he needs to be eased back into the side slowly and in a manner which keeps up the Gunner’s momentum. In all reality, however, we won’t see the best of Gervinho until next season.
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Why say something like “In his defence: its his first season…” when you are the one starting the debate against him? Where did you learn to write?
What a dogs dinner of an article, did you stop half way through for a cigarette and forget your train of thought? Starts off slagging the player for his lack of first season impact then acknowledges he was a big part of the squad before the ACN and then goes onto acknowledge the huge impact this have physically. Make your mind up sunshine.
It appears your instinct is to give the lad a chance and so you should. Follow your gut.
It’s his first season after playing almost exclusively in the French league. Given the slow progress of, amongst others, Nasri, Pires and Henry before they found their feet it’s safe to say he’s not alone. And look at Ju Park!!
His attacking threat is huge and while he’s missed a hatful so has the rest of the team barring Van Persie so he’s not alone in this affliction. Gervinho is a very good athlete and in this league that gets you a long way. We need the competition for places and he certainly provides more than Arshavin did in the end. He also offers real effort in defence, something you could not say of the Russian sadly.
yes, now fuck off
Its is too early for this i no wenger wil nurture him very well irrelevant article
Yes dump him and the damp Squid. Awful player.