So who are the candidates to share wing duties for up to 7 matches with the currently inspired assist machine, Theo Walcott? This is where I might be deemed controversial and many will disagree with me, but I wish to discount the obvious and experienced stand in first off. For me Andrey Arshavin should be a shoe-in to take the role, but I would actually see that as a risk and a step backwards. I have, like so many, hoped to see the little Russian show some consistency and a return to form that we all know he has within him. However, it has not been in evidence which I could stomach if he showed the commitment and effort expected of anyone pulling on an Arsenal shirt. In the last game, where he was given an opportunity to show some leadership and guidance to a young set of team-mates, who should look up to him, against Olympiacos, he failed totally. Against the Greeks he lost the ball frequently, his head dropped and he gave up at the end. It was exactly at these times when the likes of Coquelin and Frimpong, and his manager, who showed faith in him, should be entitled to expect more of their experienced team-mate. As a paying loyal supporter of Arsenal I expect a minium of 100% effort from those fortunate to represent my club and the diminutive Russian has fallen too far below what I feel is acceptable this year.
I would also discount young Ryo as I feel it would be too much responsibility for the young Japanese speedster, which leaves us with two strong candidates, who I assume will share the responsibility dependent on the opposition. Both Yossi Benayoun and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain I believe will have the confidence of the manager and their team-mates to step into Gervinho’s position in January and February.
Benayoun has waited patiently for each and every opportunity without any complaint. He has spoken eloquently to the press about his current team-mates, waiting for his chance, is one of RVP’s biggest fans on twitter and crucially has shown all the commitment and leadership in the Carling Cup run so lacking in Arshavin. He certainly has the talent and the intelligence to adapt to the wide role in an attacking sense as he did so often for Liverpool in the past, but also the work ethic and fitness to track back and support his full-back when we are not in possession. In games where ball retention and experience are crucial, when we do not have the ball for long periods, such as perhaps Swansea away and certainly Manchester United at home, Benayoun possibly should get the nod. In other matches such as those at home with a supportive crowd willing him to succeed, such as Blackburn, or against struggling defences such as Bolton, I am sure Oxlade-Chamberlain will be given his chance. I feel he and Theo will regularly swap flanks as Gervinho and Theo have done so effectively of late, and this will be highly unsettling for the weaker sides. I am certain we all feel the same affection for the Ox as we did for Theo when he was given his first few outings, but there is a greater physical strength to this new import from Southampton at this age.
In short, I think we do have to anticipate losing Gervinho for the whole of the African Cup of Nations, or certainly until the latter stages, and of course this is a blow, especially as he is just finding his feet. Hopefully a good tournament for the Ivory Coast will increase his confidence further and I firmly believe that we have the perfect cover in Yossi and Alex. Most of us want to see the Ox have a run in the side, and January and February should see our wishes granted. So let’s hope he repays our faith and that of Arsene Wenger, who has invested heavily in the youngster. When an old head is required, I believe Benayoun should be selected ahead of Arshavin, who is beyond the last chance saloon for me, and the Ox is our future, whilst the Russian is our past.
We will miss you Gervinho, but we have a true depth in our squad this season to cope, and thank goodness Cameroon failed to qualify!
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