The Ivorian will need to step up in Theo Walcott’s absence over the last three games, which could define his debut season.
While Arsene Wenger left much of his transfer dealings until the very last minute, the acquisition of Gervinho was tied up nice and early.
He seemed to be ready to make an immediate impact, impressing in pre-season, but his promise was dealt an immediate blow, sent off on his league debut after clashing with Joey Barton- then still a Newcastle player.
Even that didn’t seem to hold him back though, putting in an outstanding performance away at Udinese in the crucial Champions League qualifier, and netting on his return from suspension against Blackburn.
He added to that early promise with goals against Stoke, Wigan and Wolves, but his impact has been curtailed heavily of late.
Gervinho has not scored a league goal since December 27, and has been a real bit-part player of late.
Of course there is a reason for this change in fortune, the same malaise which has affected Demba Ba at Newcastle, call it the African Nations Cup hangover.
Gervinho exerted himself in Africa, scoring a magnificent semi-final winner, seeing his country the Ivory Coast denied only on penalties.
Since then he has struggled for Arsenal, failing to complete 90 minutes, in fact, he has failed to complete even 70.
You could forgive his exhaustion and lack of form to a point, but this is late April and there is no excuse, not while his 34-year-old international teammate Didier Drogba continues to roll back the clock at Chelsea.
Walcott’s injury has presented Gervinho with an opportunity, which he now has to seize.
So far, his debut season will be remembered as an underwhelming one of promise which fizzled out, and he still has much to prove.
He can start that by turning it into a success by leading Arsenal to cross the finish line in the race for Champions League qualification over their final three games.
What do you think of Gervinho’s debut season?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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