With The African Cup of Nations due to end in three weeks time or so, Gervinho will be making a return to the Emirates, where Marouane Chamakh will also be waiting in the wings. After the results of late and the fans now adopting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a new favourite, it leads to the question – what will happen when Gervinho returns? Will Arsene Wenger decide to drop the exciting youngster in favour of the Ivorian?
I actually had the pleasure of being at the Emirates yesterday afternoon and for me Chamberlain was brilliant. The 18-year-old has an abundance of pace and a great work ethic. In addition, the former Saints winger seems to bring out the best in Theo Walcott, who himself had a blinder, assisting with three of Arsenal’s seven goals.
It is quite easy to simply shrug this off with a simple ‘no’, Wenger shouldn’t drop Chamberlain. However, we need to bear in mind that he is still only young and learning. Chambo has also had a few niggling knee injuries, so I suspect Arsene will have a hard decision on his hands than some of the fans give him credit for.
Gervinho, currently at the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast, was brought in from Lille in the summer to play in the role that is currently being occupied by Chamberlain. However, the youngster has done brilliantly since the Ivorian departed and yesterday bagged his first two Premier League goals for Arsenal.
Since joining Arsenal, Gervinho has managed to make 24 appearances, scoring 4 goals along the way, while Chambo has made 12 appearances and bagged 4 goals for the Gunners.
On paper it also looks like Chamberlain’s record is slightly better, but this is partly due to Arsenal playing better earlier on in the season when Gervinho got his games.
IF Wenger decides to drop Chamberlain then the Frenchman will come under great scrutiny from the fans and maybe some of the players. We have already seen it happen this season when Robin van Persie and the Arsenal fans questioned Wenger’s decision to substitute him against Manchester United a few weeks back, so we can only imagine how it would go down if Chambo is dropped.
In my eyes, the Ox deserves a run in the first-team. It doesn’t matter if Gervinho is back or not. However, Wenger is known for protecting young talent and would not want him to suffer the same fate as Jack Wilshere has this season after playing over 40 games last term for us.
So the question of should/will Arsene drop Alex is a very difficult one to answer. Walcott could also be in trouble to keep his position, but it seems Wenger has faith in the 22-year-old speedy winger. Is Chamberlain essential to the squad’s success? I think so. He seems to bring out the best in certain players, which is good to see. But I would hate for him to be over-used and end up injured as a result.
I for one do not envy Wenger’s decision. No doubt the fans will want Chamberlain to play every game and no one can fault them for that. Let’s just hope that he continues to grow and develop as a player as the games roll by.
Do you think Wenger will drop AOC in favour of Gervinho? Do you think the youngster should be a starting for us week in, week out?
Give us your thoughts on the matter
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I hope not. Every time I see Gervinho, I am disappointed in him. His dribbling into trouble and his finishing all leave much to be desired IMO.
Having said that, it is clear that Arsene Wenger and others, think well of him and I wish I could work out what I am missing.
You’ve just spoken Blessyn.Looking forward to this combination.
Gervinho’s contribution is nowhere near as important as the Ox’s. Possibly Walcott is under threat but AOC should be a fixture
Shocked how foolish we have come! Imagine Arsenal with a fit Jack, why go for Gotze? A fit Santos, the OX and Gervinho. There’s no need for new signings. Wenger has proven again to be a master in crafting strong sides.
What we need is a strong pacey attacking mid. Sorry but Rosicky and Ramsey are ok but someone with pace just on the shoulder or RVP would make the team very dangerous. I could see the Ox in that position. Strong, able to shoot from distance, and the ability to send a ball to the wings for Gervinho or Walcott.
Arsenal fans are all oliver twist…..why all those players when you have jack and ox….Imo
Chesney are u a peado
It better he drop walcot for oxlade because he has pace and I hpoe that is the reason why walcotis still playing for arsenal because of the pace gervinho and oxlade have the pace and they have good finishing
Gervino can’t finish for toffee …… Are u gay
Wenger would be unwise to load too much on Ox-Chamberlain this season, “slowly,slowly catch a monkey”. He needs game time but not pressure. With that in mind I think we`ll find him as an unused sub in many games and playing the full ninety in others. Only Wenger and his staff can determine how much he is used.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussiee, oi! oi! oiiii!
And he should rotate him around with Ramsey, seeming they are both developing players.
Its funny how people think, and easily get carried away. How on earth do u think Ox will bench Gerv. He is a young lad coming through which is good for the team, and provide competition for places. In case u hv 4gotten, we need all our players in good form so as to realise our top four hope, and not discussing which player is better.