Gervinho, whose full name is Gervais Yao Kouassi, made a significant impact at Arsenal during his two-year stint at the club. Joining from French side Lille in 2011 for a fee around £10.8 million, the Ivorian winger was expected to bring flair and pace to Arsenal’s forward line under the management of Arsène Wenger. Though his time at the club was relatively brief, his contributions, both good and bad, left a lasting memory for Arsenal fans.
Early Life and Career
Born in Anyama, Ivory Coast, Gervinho’s football journey began at the prestigious ASEC Abidjan academy. After moving through the youth ranks, he played professionally at clubs like Waasland-Beveren in Belgium, Le Mans in France, and Lille, where he enjoyed the peak of his early career. It was at Lille where Gervinho truly caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs. During the 2010-2011 season, he helped Lille win Ligue 1 for the first time in 56 years, a feat that solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe.
Arrival at Arsenal
Gervinho’s arrival at Arsenal was met with high expectations. He debuted in a pre-season friendly with a brace against FC Köln, immediately showing his attacking promise. However, his league debut was more infamous, as he was sent off for a red card against Newcastle United after a confrontation with Joey Barton. Despite this early setback, Gervinho continued to impress with his speed and ability to create chances for his teammates. Throughout his first season at Arsenal, he managed to score four goals and contribute several assists.
The Gervinho Arsenal Era: 2011-2013
In his first season, Gervinho showcased his strengths as a fast and direct winger. He often played on the left side of the attack, cutting inside on his stronger right foot. His ability to stretch defences and deliver dangerous crosses made him a valuable asset to the team. One of his standout performances came in a 3-1 victory over Stoke City, where he scored and assisted two goals for Robin van Persie. Despite these moments of brilliance, Gervinho’s inconsistency led to frustration among fans. He struggled with finishing, and one of his most infamous moments at the club came in the 2012 League Cup against Bradford City, where he missed an open goal in a match that Arsenal eventually lost.
In total, Gervinho made 63 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and assisting 12 times. While not a prolific scorer, his pace and ability to create space were key elements in Arsenal’s attacking play.
Departure from Arsenal
After just two seasons at the club, Gervinho left Arsenal in 2013 to join AS Roma in Serie A for a reported fee of around €8 million. His departure marked the end of a mixed but ultimately unspectacular tenure at Arsenal. Gervinho’s time in North London was often seen as a period of unfulfilled potential. His electrifying pace and skill were undeniable, but his lack of consistency and finishing ability prevented him from reaching the heights many had anticipated.
Life After Arsenal
After leaving Arsenal, Gervinho enjoyed a productive career in Italy with Roma, where he was more settled and found more success. His time in Rome was highlighted by a return to form, where he contributed significantly in both domestic and European competitions. Later, Gervinho moved to China to play for Hebei China Fortune, and after a brief stint in Turkey with Trabzonspor, he eventually found himself in Greece with Aris Saloniki.
As of now, Gervinho remains a free agent, reflecting fondly on his time at Arsenal. He has expressed that his two years in London were among the most important of his career, especially his relationship with Arsène Wenger. Gervinho’s legacy at Arsenal is defined by flashes of brilliance interspersed with moments of inconsistency. Nevertheless, he remains a cherished figure for many Arsenal fans, especially for his contributions to the team’s attacking play.
Gervinho’s Legacy at Arsenal
Though Gervinho’s tenure at Arsenal was short-lived, his legacy is still talked about by fans and analysts alike. Known for his incredible pace and dribbling ability, Gervinho had the potential to be one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers. However, his lack of consistency and failure to finish chances when it mattered most meant he never reached the heights many thought he could. Despite these flaws, Gervinho still has a place in Arsenal’s recent history, as a player who brought flair and excitement to a side undergoing transition.
FAQS
Why did Gervinho leave Arsenal?
Gervinho left Arsenal in 2013 after two years with the club. His departure was partly due to the club’s decision to part ways with him after a relatively inconsistent period, where his potential was often overshadowed by his inability to consistently deliver on the pitch.
What was Gervinho’s best moment at Arsenal?
Gervinho’s best moments at Arsenal include his impressive performances during the 2011-2012 season, particularly his contribution to a 3-1 victory over Stoke City, where he scored and assisted both of Robin van Persie’s goals. However, his infamous missed opportunity against Bradford City also stood out, symbolizing the frustration he often caused among fans.
How many goals did Gervinho score for Arsenal?
Gervinho scored 11 goals for Arsenal in 63 appearances across all competitions. While he showed promise in his first season, his goal tally reflected his struggle with consistency.
Did Gervinho play under Arsène Wenger for long?
Yes, Gervinho played for Arsène Wenger during his time at Arsenal from 2011 to 2013. Gervinho has frequently praised Wenger, describing him as a calm and detailed manager who influenced his career positively.
What has Gervinho been doing since leaving Arsenal?
After leaving Arsenal, Gervinho played for Roma, Hebei China Fortune, Trabzonspor, and Aris Saloniki. As of now, he is a free agent, contemplating continuing his professional career.
Final Thoughts
Gervinho’s time at Arsenal, though short, was a period marked by both flashes of brilliance and bouts of inconsistency. While he may not be remembered as one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever players, his contribution to the team during his tenure cannot be understated. His blistering pace, technical skills, and ability to stretch defenses were crucial assets for the Gunners, even if his finishing often left much to be desired. For Arsenal fans, Gervinho will always be remembered for his exciting runs and moments of magic, despite the frustrations his lack of composure in front of goal often caused.
In retrospect, Gervinho’s two years at Arsenal were part of a transitional period for the club, with Arsène Wenger trying to maintain success while the team underwent significant changes. Gervinho’s departure in 2013 paved the way for further evolution in the squad, with Wenger continuing to look for dynamic attackers. Today, Gervinho’s legacy remains a bittersweet reminder of untapped potential, but one that highlighted the unpredictable nature of football. As a player who brought both joy and heartache, his time at Arsenal will always be a part of the club’s modern history. Ultimately, Gervinho’s career serves as an example of the fine line between promise and fulfillment in top-tier football, and while he may not have fully reached his potential at Arsenal, he undoubtedly left a mark on the fans who watched him play.
To read more, Click here
