The Man Who Should Never Have Worn The Shirt
So, I’ve been thinking for a little while that Gervinho reminds me of a certain fighter aircraft, specifically the Eurofighter.
A few things stick out in my memory about the Eurofighter. It was a cooperative effort between Britain, Germany, France and Spain primarily. A bit like Arsenal.
But the most striking thing that has always stuck in my mind was that it was an aircraft designed to fly unstable.
Say what now? An aircraft designed to fly unstable, you say? Errr, that sounds like the worst idea ever since the invention of worst ideas.
“Eurofighter Typhoon has a foreplane/delta configuration which is, by nature, aerodynamically unstable.
The instability of the aircraft is derived from the position of a theoretical “pressure point” on the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. This is calculated from the contribution to lift from each of the aircraft components (the wings, the canards, fuselage etc). If the pressure point is in front of the centre of gravity on the longitudinal axis, the aircraft is aerodynamically unstable and it is impossible for a human to control it.
With the Eurofighter Typhoon, in subsonic flight the pressure point lies in front of the centre of gravity, therefore making the aircraft aerodynamically unstable, and is why Eurofighter Typhoon has such a complex Flight Control System – computers react quicker than a pilot.
When Eurofighter Typhoon crosses into supersonic flight, the pressure point moves behind the centre of gravity, giving a stable aircraft.
The advantages of an intentionally unstable design over that of a stable arrangement include greater agility – particularly at subsonic speeds – reduced drag, and an overall increase in lift (also enhancing STOL performance).”
So, the craft is basically unstable, the purposing being for it to be so tricksy that it is practically instaneous at flipping directions. It is already trying to flip before the pilot attempts to change direction. It is so unstable that a human pilot hasn’t got reactions quick enough to keep it straight. It is always fighting to flip and spin. What could be more manoeuvrable than an aircraft that you’re already fighting to pull out of a death-flip. Nothing. And that is it’s critical advantage.
And that is Gervinho’s critical advantage. Like a fighter aircraft, Gervinho bears down on his marker, one on one, strafing the ground before him with his machine guns.
He is quite one dimensional in his play. But he is unstable in his flight path. Small changes of direction at high speed will out-manoeuvre the reactions of his human marker. There is the constant sense with Gervinho that he is losing control, that each touch will be his last. Everything is on a knife edge.
And his layoff, or shot, or whatever it is he just did, is just as unpredictable. It is unpredictable AFTER you have seen it, let alone before. Was it a shot, was it a cross, was it a plane? No one knows. Not even Gervinho. He’s just trying to poke it somewhere dangerous.
In fact, it’s best he doesn’t reveal his intentions afterwards. You don’t show your cards when you bluff your opponents at high-stakes poker lest they learn your “tells” or mark you down as a bluffer.
Gervinho is not in the business of football. He is in the business of chaos. Like Heath Ledger’s Joker:
“Do I really look like a man with a plan, Harvey? I don’t have a plan. The mob has plans, the cops have plans. You know what I am, Harvey? I’m a dog chasing cars. I wouldn’t know what to do with one if I caught one. I just DO things. I’m a wrench in the gears. I HATE plans. Yours, theirs, everyone’s.”
Yes, chaos is what he does.
Here are a few of my favourite to tweeps unable to agree what it was that Gervais was trying to do on the Rosicky assist, but in unanimity that they want him to keep getting the chance to continue doing it.
We all remember journos and fans alike stating Gervais should never be allowed to pull on the Arsenal shirt again. We was a popular member of 99% of the deadwood lists that fans drafted throughout the season, and yet here he is. The majority of supporters don’t believe he should be automatically dropped for a returning Walcott or anyone else. Along with Rosicky. Or even Ramsey. Their performances merit our continued support and that of the manager.
So, now that we have rediscovered this love for Gervinho, or rather his goals and assists, and the resulting points and victories, what should we do about it?
Philippe AuClair recently waxed lyrical about Gervinho, confirming Arsene’s view that he was the top player at the ACN and Hazard’s view that he was at least at influential as Hazard himself while saying that he was arguably the player AuClair would have taken of the two from Lille.
But perhaps even more insightfully, he pointed to the constant TLC (tender loving care) that Gervinho’s teammates lavished on him throughout, because Gervinho needs to be loved. Perhaps, if we knew more of his background we would respond to that. That is why Arsene has warned us that Gervinho struggles when there is a negative environment around him. I hope we listened because he was talking to us. If you want Gervais to play like that most of the time, we will need to support and encourage our boy, not moan and groan and what the fuck him.
Gervinho is a Eurofighter, but he needs constant mid-air refuellings if he is to stay aloft and ready for the fight.
When you think about it, it is tragically, poetically karmic. We want what he can produce but he can only produce it if we show him the love. And we only show him the love, when he produces. It is an opportunity for personal growth for the Emirates faithful. An opportunity that a small but vocal minority may pass on. It will not end well at Arsenal for the player who rivaled Hazard in Ligue Un if the moanies don’t get their act together, small minority though they may be. Just sayin’.
Here’s my take. We’ve spent good money on him and you know he ain’t leaving. He can be devastating on his day. We need “devastating” any time we can get it. Ergo, let’s support the beejaysus out of the goofy looking bastard and find out what he can become. What would it cost us?
Much as he is a baffling concept, this was fantastic, as Per.
agreed, gervinho needs our support, and that’s basically the role of the supporter, isn’t it? I’d like to see him ride a prolonged wave of confidence to see how far he can develop, maybe one day mastering his own unpredictability and using it deliberately. problem is that we can’t afford to keep playing him when he takes a downturn in form, there’s too much competition for his place
Brilliant! Brilliant! I’ve been educated on the Euro fighter jet’s imbalance and. Instability, whowudathunk! And yes, Gerv’s comparison is so on the mark.
We’re human and can’t help but moan sometimes, especially when you play him on a long stretch and he’s totally without effect and bearing, again, like your aircraft. However, I agree that when you show love to anyone no matter what, you can only bring out the best on ’em.
Yes, some players more than others. Gerv clearly needs it a lot more than others.
Good article mate. I saw Gervinho playing for Ivory Coast at the last world cup and he looked very good. In the last few matches for Arsenal, he is getting up to that level, but I think he still has a gear or two left.
Ok
Like the comparison with the Eurofighter. Only thing is Gervinho doesn’t have a computer to control him.
I hate how people love a player one day and hate him the next. Have some conistency FFS!
I tweeted this regarding the match against Reading: “I know he assisted 2 & scored 1 but he also ballsed-up/fluffed many many more chances. Some people cannot see the forest from the trees. He works hard, of that there is no doubt, but people seem to not have noticed we were playing a team that literally GAVE us the ball in front of their own goal at least 1/2 dozen times! That kind of profligacy would not go unpunished against better teams. IMO, he runs fast & works hard. He is a naturally gifted player but he lacks the intelligence and finishing required for a forward at this level. I have no hope of that ever changing and I’d gladly eat my own words but I don’t ever see him making it at Arsenal. He simply isn’t good enough.” I stand by this assessment.
Well, I agree we need to see a lot more games where he contributes before we can say he will be a key member of the squad.
But I also think we are way too quick to pass a final negative verdict on a player because he doesn’t fit a mould. If it works, keep doing it. Not every player has to be a Santi.
Running at defenses and shaking them up might be all we ever need from Gerv, if he’s good enough at it. Too many times, teams have retreated behind 2 banks of 4 and held us at bay.
We should leave our minds open to the possibility he can be successful in a way we didnt visualize. In the meantime, lets cheer the beejaysus out of him, put a cork in the moaners when he fluffs a few, and lets find out what kind of player we can have on our hands here.
I am completely 100% beside the idea that we should always cheer on players and never boo them or complain about their errors at a match (unless they’re clearly not trying or uninterested).
That said, my views are based on what I’ve seen over 2 years now. That’s hardly “too quick to pass” a judgement. I honestly don’t know how many more games you need to see before you make up your mind but I would argue that there were far better players we’ve had that weren’t given nearly as much opportunity; albeit, that was a different era/etc.
In short, I support your goodwill towards the lad and I too would never boo a player and have always tried to send them positive/encouraging messages on twitter (even the ones that are clearly no longer in Arsene’s plans or on loan) because that could give them hope that some people are still behind them. Ramsey is to me, the most disgraceful example of how our fans behave.
That said, I would argue that we a only have a limited # of 1st players. If he is (as I believe) not up to it I don’t think we should continue to indulge him at the expense of the team & club. That is all.
Again, I hope I’m wrong about him but after REALLY watching him I have seen nothing to convince me otherwise.
Well, im not sure we disagree much mate. It sounds like you agree whoever is wearing the shirt should be supported. Its not our job to de-select players who are on the pitch. And those who think they are somehow motivating that player or his team mates should show the rest uf us their degrees in Sports Psychology. Or shut up and support.
And we should all stay open to yhe possibility that a player turns it around even if we yhink its a longshot.
This is one outstanding article!! But, I agree with you and MrFootaholic. He never should have worn the shirt and he’s never gonna make it, as much as I hope he shows I’m terribly wrong.
Greetings from Holland!
Would it kill you to give the love anyway? Would it cost anything? Which is more important – to withold the love on principle….or to get the best out of a player?
Oh so true. Well said Fungunner.
Good article! I think after a few frustrating seasons, for us as fans, it is easy to get on the back of a player who doesn’t fulfil our expectations every time they play. Unfortunately I believe it is down to the player to prove to us that they are worthy of our ‘love’ and a player can only do that if they are consistent. If he can do this and live up to the praise put upon him from when he was in France then he will win the love of many. I honestly hope he does but will sit on the fence whether he does or not.
Great article! You always make see new things in the Arsenal that I love. Thank you for that.
Thanks mate. That’s the highest compliment in my books!
Great post. Gerv. Needs love,appreciation and a bit of luck. He Allso needs a song like Gerooo. What a boost that would give him. We need him,he causes havoc,and he will get more goals and assists…
Agreed, mate. Agreed.
Great blog.
However, the trouble with him being chaotic is that the uncertainty affects his own team-mates as much as the opposition. Ultimately, a successful football team is just that; a team. Look at Dortmund, Bayern & Barca – damn it even Man U. Disciplined, keep the ball, and know what their team mates will do. If we want to get to that level, then there’s no place in the Arsenal engine for a spanner in the works.
Oh man. Don’t harsh my mellow. This is a Gervinho love in today.
If Gervinho played in the midfield or defense or even in the center, I might agree. But chaos from the wing is generally a good thing. Defenders hate chaos. They want to keep their neat rows of 4.
And remember, you can’t make an omelette without breaking an egg or 2.
And one last thing. We beat Bayern. At their home. In the CL. Something basically no other team has done since 1773 or something. So there.
When they beat us at the Ems 1. We played shit 2. We played Theo at CF and without Giroud but most importantly 3. We played against Lahm without a LB and with only Poldi for cover. Not a wise plan.
Lahm was frustrated to hell when faced with Gibbs. So, while BM are probably 1 of the top 2 teams in Europe, I don’t think Gervinho is the difference.
Anyway, you make an interesting point. Pros and cons of chaos.
Some great points and analogies. One thing I find really sticks out at the moment is, it is clear to see he is playing like his career depends on it. Every touch and run there is a desperation to succeed, and his effort levels are showing. Which makes me wonder, are too many of our stars far too comfortable in the knowledge that they have the security of their 4 year contract?
Here is my short answer. No.
Here is my longer answer. Wenger only signs players he believes have a passion for the game. It’s one of the reasons he sold Anelka. He found out he didnt actually like football and was horrified by it.
That’s why he always talks about intelligent players. He wants players who thnk about their game, their role all the time. So that they develop in it.
Check out my Arteta video from the last blog. You see 2 football fanatics immersed in a football conversation.
These guys are all in their 20s and doing the thing they love. Wouldn’t you want to play great in front of 60000 fans. Fuck, I’d do it for free. The idea they don’t want to play great is not credible imo.
Also, they are all internationals and are desperate to get in their national teams. That doubles their determination to get in the starting XI.
I was 27 once. I can’t believe it takes much motivating to play for the Arsenal first XI. What the hell else would a 27 year old want out of life?
Love the post as usual. Love it more because of the joker. Would love Gervinho to be that chaotic. But coming back to actual football. I felt guilty myself of not supporting him. A guy who does wonders for his national team in Africa cannot repeat the same in london. There has to be a logical explanation.
Does he have the talent , undoubtedly yes. Best winger at Arsenal. When he gets one on one , I am absolutely confident that he will beat his marker, 7 times out of 10. Henry said the same last year when he joined , that he would run at defenders. In our present squad especially in the wide areas, we do not have some one with that skill.
It was never a doubt that he is a confidence oplayer. Remember last year during the AFCON tournament, Drogba continuously protected him from the media. He’s always been like that. Probably should have got a note from Lille. Is he good for Arsenal ? yes, but on his day. If he is not up to it, he will not be contributing.
If Gervinho does stay at Arsenal, the key will be in preparing him mentally. That is where the coaching staff comes in. Looking at Gervinho reminds me of an Indian cricketer -Rahul Dravid. Not game wise. But in the mind department. Dravid consulted a sports psycologist. He was unnereved by the expectations of a couple of million people and a kiwi coach John Wright helped him in coming to terms with it. Needless to say Dravid retired as one of the best batsman of all time.
I know as fans we need to support our players. But for me the more important part is the coaching staff and the player himself. Probably Wenger has already started working on it. If no , he has to. The mental preparation cannot be undermined. Arshavin is another case. Its so sad that he was allowed to rot. Criminal waste of talent. If he cannot work it out then some one has to help him. they are club assets.
I really hope fans back him. But my main expectation would be the preparation from the player and the coaching staff itself. If he stays at the level he is currently at, he could be a very important player in our title challenge next year.
Great comment mate. I think every one of us was guilty of writing off Gervinho. Some actively, and some passively. Clearly there is a player there. And as I said, there is an an ironically karmic dimension to the fact we can only get the player we want out of him if we show him the support in the bad times. Something we are not famous for. In fact, it’s not even something we think we are supposed to do. We think we are supposed to show our disapproval as if we are setting a minimum standard that we are prepared to accept. As if to say, This Is The Arsenal, and this is simply not good enough.as if we were Connoisseurs tasting inferior wine.
Well, we’re not. We are supporters, and this wine tastes great when you tell it that it is often enough. Karmic wine.
Excellent article first of all. Loved the comparison between the Eurofighter and Gervinho…..Perhaps there couldn’t be a better way to describe Gervinho’s game at this juncture.
For all those who are saying Gervinho should never have been an arsenal player – I would like to ask them what exactly do they think of Theo Walcott and if he deserves a pay-rise and a new long term contract – how on earth is Gervinho too far behind???
Both have extremely different qualities as players but both of them suffer from a common malaise which is having games where they are completely ineffective. In fact Gervinho cannot be faulted for his effort even when he is having a bad game but the same cannot be said of theo who has been found out on a fair few occasions.
Theo is very good at finishing but he is terrible at getting into a position to score. He struggles to get past players through dribbling or running directly at them. To be at his best, theo needs plenty of space in behind defenders to run into and that is how his pace comes into play. In games where opposition sits back to defend or defend in a good team shape with decent full backs – theo is generally ineffective.
Gervinho on the other hand – because of his ‘unpredictability’ and his skill of running at players and dribbling past two or three very easily(a skill which is becoming rarer by the year in modern football) is very effective against teams that defend deep and properly as a unit. He regularly gets into dangerous positions, even goal scoring positions but we all know about his finishing…..But even despite that he is a player who will bring his team-mates into play a lot more than theo ever will….and with the Wengerball style that we employ – bringing the teammates into play is the most crucial aspect of the game. We have played our most fluid football this season when Gervinho, Cazorla and Rosicky have played together and that is simply because all three of them have a tendency to find space in dangerous areas, thereby dragging defenders with them and creating space for others and invariably creating goal scoring opportunities.
This is not to say that theo is useless or something. In fact the best use of theo is as a super sub when Gervinho has tired the defenders out with his unpredictable play and his energy down the flanks. Theo undoubtedly is a natural finisher but as a wide player – playing wengerball, Gervinho is more suited in the arsenal first XI especially against teams that defend deep. And who better to reform the chinks in his game than Wenger….I am sure he will succeed in the seasons to come.
Great comment, mate. Now I should warn you at this point that Im Theo’s biggest supporter, but great comment all the same.
I’ll say this, having different options on the flanks can only be great for unlocking the opposition.
@ Schuringer, I was actually trying to reply to Tommy Tubs – sorry. I’m blaming Poznan – the arrows confused me.
Anyhoo, Poznan, fantastic article. You don’t post often but they are ALWAYS worth the wait. The analogy is perfect.
Thanks FG. Though, I am recovering from that stinging attack below. Lol.
Does the Ivorian hide ?
Does he sulk ?
Does he play the safe, short pass and avoid taking the ball forward ?
Does he chuck himself over in the penalty box and try to win non existent penalties?
Does he excuse himself with minor niggles to the bench ?
He stands up, he gives his best, he is brave
On a technical point he needs to get his nosewheel down more quickly when coming into land in a cross wind
Lol. Good work mate. Or mate -esse.
“On a technical point he needs to get his nosewheel down more quickly when coming into land in a cross wind. ”
AW is in Air Traffic Control. Been telling him he is too anxious when approaching the runaway.
Spot on with that analogy PIMP. Too bad our fans think they are at a talent show to boo those who under-perform.
in the zone
yes, if you had 1 euro fighter and he’s doing the flips and generally being unpredictable, the jet may well be the most valuable asset you have. but if you have a backflipping eurofighter amongst a fleet of X-Wings, he’ll just crash into his teammates and sinking your fabulously ensembled empire fighters. sadly for me, sums up our gervi.
too many times I have seen him running into awkward positions and ruinning beautifully crafted jacky or santi specials. too many times I have seen genii(geniuses)in red and white flailing their arms in despair.
I will never boo him, but I just can’t support him with all my might,
Pingback: What’s on Arsene’s Mind during a Presser? | Positively Arsenal
A little late in reading this but a well-done piece. Never understood the propensity of fans to boo their own players (whatever team they support). It certainly doesn’t help, and with a player like Gervinho, it only hinders. Not to say that supporters should be Pollyanna-ish in their fandom but a little support for a player who is down in his form or just generally not playing well never hurts. [now goes to look in a mirror and remind self to be more supportive].
i think supporters think they’re at the Colosseum watching “the games.” theyre thinking someone has asked them for a thumbs up or down. We’ll no one has, so support the bloddy players. Theyre wearing the shirt and the manager’s picked them.
Pingback: Bendtner finally out? We can only hope… | Wrong Foot Pele
Pingback: Gervinho on the move? And Hill-Wood steps down… | Wrong Foot Pele