ARSENAL PLAYER

Gervinho scores for Ivory Coast v Mali

Wenger - Gervinho's goal will be huge boost

By Joe Brewin

Arsène Wenger believes Gervinho's superb winner in Wednesday's Africa Cup of Nations semi final against Mali can work wonders his Arsenal form.

The winger's excellent solo goal on the stroke of half time sealed Ivory Coast's route through to Sunday's final against Zambia.

Gervinho was a regular in Wenger's first team prior to the tournament but the Frenchman believes the 24-year-old will return even stronger.

"It was a cracking goal against Mali," Wenger told Arsenal Player. "They were the better side but he made the difference. They scored only one goal, Gervinho made it and you can basically say he scored it on his own because he started on the halfway line and finished in a cool way.

"Sometimes he rushes his decisions a little bit but I was very happy that he kept calm and finished in a very controlled way.

"That's great news for his confidence and his country as well because I believe they are the best team in Africa by a big distance at the moment. Hopefully they will get rewarded in the final.

"He creates those dangerous situations but the coolness he misses a little bit. That can help him to do that. I feel he proved that with us.

"Also, who doesn't want to be a hero in his own country? That will help him to be recognised in his own country and therefore boost his confidence levels."

Watch the full interview with the boss on Arsenal Player now.

[Friday, February 10, 2012]

Print this page Email to a friend

Bould exclusive

Home kit 2012/13 Pre-order yours now

Bookmark with…

Delicious Digg Reddit StumbleUpon

© Arsenal Broadband Limited 2012 - Terms of Use & Privacy and Cookie Policy - Website accessibility statement - Site powered by NTT Europe Online | Rippleffect