Anders: Gervinho’s arrival will force Wenger to change formation
Gervinho’s Signature Could Spark Big Change at AFC by Anders Marshall
As readers of Just Arsenal know, I’m not a big fan of Gervinho, at least not until he ships in 30 goals for us with his left foot, while riding a unicycle, at the same time hitting Sam Allardyce in the face. With a mace. One positive I can take from his potential signature is in order to properly accommodate the lad, things at the Arsenal camp will have to change, namely the formation.
Currently. our formation is a 4-5-1, which allows simple yet effective interchangeability between midfield and attack. This formation suits our number one playmaker, Cesc Fabregas, as it grants him the privilege to have complete creative control over his distribution across the front line. The line up typically follows as such.
SZCZ
Sagna- Vermaelen-Djourou/Koscielny-Clichy
Song Wilshere
Walcott Fabregas Nasri/Arshavin
RVP
Should Gervinho arrive, he could either force someone out of position, or force the hand of Arsene Wenger to revamp his stale tactics. My preferred formation is the traditional 4-4-2, which would suit Gervinho, as he is capable of playing the role of second striker. The new formation would likely leave Alex Song as a more permanent figure in defence, making the back line more solid, and Nasri and Wilshere competing for the role of LAM or RAM, depending on which side Cesc prefers. With RVP’s versatility, he would adapt quickly to a strike partner, leaving more room for his compatriot, and ultimately creating more chances as well as finishing them with lethality.Robin Van Persie is creative and has a cannon of a shot, and Gervinho is aggresive and direct in his play. WIth these two playing along side each other, they have the potential to form the most deadly partnership in the EPL. With Nasri/Wilshere and Fabregas in creative roles, this would leave Theo Walcott and Andrei Arshavin out wide to cross the ball or cut in and create opportunities for themselves. I believe Arshavin is a class player who unfortunately, has left his best years behind him. He would be more effective as a super sub, coming on at the hour mark to reinvigorate the front line. A suitable long term replacement would be the blazing fast belgian, Eden Hazard, or our very own Ryo Myaichi, who has enjoyed a succesful stint at Feyenoord FC.
Our new formation would look like this:
SZCZ
Sagna- Vermaelen-Djourou/Koscielny-Clichy
Song
Walcott/Arshavin – Fabregas – Nasri/Wilshere
*Myaichi
Gervinho
RVP
Another option in changing the 4-4-2 would be to play Gervinho out wide and buying an out and out striker, similar to Falcao or Benzema.This formation could be used against teams with extremely tight defense, or when Alex Song is in need of a rest. While our defense is already shaky enough with a holding midfielder, Alex Song isn’t to blame. Without a DM, we would have sign a proven defender to partner Vermaelen (Cahill), which could work to our advantage. This formation would rotate our midfield and let them rest for the big games, provide defensive solidity, and give us several attacking options up front.
Our alternate formation would look like this:
SZCZ
Sagna- Vermaelen-Djourou/Koscielny-Clichy
Walcott/Arshavin-Fabregas-Nasri-Gervinho
(New Signing)
RVP
While two signings in a similar position is unlikely, especially under Le Cheapskate, he himself has promised change for next season, and fans are welcoming these “changes” with open arms.
Bringing Gervinho to the Emirates could have a positive effect at AFC. He would represent a change of pace, and a breath of fresh air in our play. Whether Wenger would be felxible enough to change his ways remains to be seen, but signing Gervinho, or anyone of notability for that matter, would be a step in the right direction.
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Makes alot of sense IF Nasri were to stay…but Nasri is already long gone. Wenger and the AFC owner and board were too slow on the gun once again. Fergie was already poised to pounce early and it has undone the Gunner’s summer transfer plans. Nasri would’ve stayed if the damn manager had been ready to offload Cesc to Barca earlier. Everybody knew he was going to leave the Emirates this season. Why wasn’t a deal already in place in principle to let him go earlier? The Arsenal organization is maddening. Then we could’ve had the funds to grab Gervinho and Cahill (and and maybe others – Mata, Samba, etc.) a few weeks ago. Those critical transfers, if done earlier, could’ve been the difference. They would’ve shown Nasri that Arsenal was gonna spend big to compete this season. Maybe then we would’ve been able to sign him to a new long-term deal. Seriously, what’s going on with this team? Why are we so far behind the eight ball? Ferguson has already blown everybody out of the water, including Chelsea, City, and Liverpool, with his early signings. Chelsea at least have an excuse, waiting to get Villa-Boas first. Where is ours? There is simply NO excuse Wenger can make now. We have lost Nasri, Clichy, and Fabregas. Guess it’s back to the old drawing board for the club and it’s fans. Sound familiar, anyone?
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still not good enough!!!!
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Arsenwenga keep on promisin us dt he will buy evry summer at d end of d day he buy nothin.alex figuson hs show seriousness in signin 3player hop 2 sign more,y so call ijebu man hs nt even buy 1,clichy shld go,leighton baines is available 4wenga 2 sign,
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Guess you’re gonna have to write a totally new article in the near future highlighting how Arsenal’s formations are going to change with Gervinho in the lineup, and ERASE all the formations that currently have Fabregas, Nasri, and Clichy in them. Love your opening lines, though. Lol!!!
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And what if Gervinho plays wide leaving Walcott to play up front with RVP?
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Tosh, i am afraid. Gervinho has been purchased as he plays in the same formation at Lille as Arsenal do. His versatility means he can play anywhere across the 3 forward roles. We will not change our formation it will still be a variation of 433.
Below is our most 18 most used (based on starts) players last season, with what i predict will be the changes showing our 18 most used players next season.
Sagna
Koscielny
Wilshire
Clichy (Vermaelen)
Arshavin
Nasri (Gervinho)
Song
Squillaci (Cahill)
Djourou
Fabregas (Ramsey)
Van Persie
Walcott
Chamakh
Szcesney
Denilson (Diaby)
Fabianski
Rosicky (Alvarez?)
Eboue
For all the doom and gloom i think next season’s most used 18 will be better than last season’s. The only change that you would consider worse is Ramsey for Fabregas, but considering he only started half the matches and only finished a quarter of them, i do not think the impact will be as big as everyone fears.
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Gervinho’s arrival will not force Wenger to change formation simply because cesc will be sold and nasri will take his place as playmaker. the formation will be the same with probably a tall defender cumming in late july.
If wenger sell any player he will substitute them with same type of player.
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Gervinho is more of a winger then a striker he played most of the time on the right wing and sometimes left for lile in a 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation. so i dont really understand how you come to this conclusion
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It looks like 3 of the side will be leaving. I’d imagine we will move to a 4-4-2 with the midfield of jack, song, Theo and arshavin with RvP and gervinho upfront. Rambo, diary, rosicky and Demi son as back up. The squad will be light without reinforcements! Come on Arsene bring them in
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Cesc and Nasri are leaving,any formation that includes those two is hot air talk.
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I don’t even bother to read your article, coz its crap, cesc is leaving, nasri will fill cesc’s boots as playmaker. Imho, gervinho,nasri and cesc are all linked, simple, nasri knows tat cesc is leavìng, so, nasri can get wat he really want, tat is cesc boots, n at d same time get a better package, since he is taking cesc’s boots he also wanted an gud fren, who happened to be gud player to fill his boots, gervinho it is. Nasri’s gud buddy. Its, I take his boots, u take mine, lets get better package together aswell. So, gervinho IN, nasri STAYS, cesc- a gonner (not a gooner).
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Good article, I hope the signing comes through, Gervinho would be a nice addition to the team.
However, you have neglected to mention Chamakh. He would fit nicely into the 4-4-2 formation, or the 4-5-1. I expect Chamakh will have a much better season coming up. He did well in the first half last year, kept us competitive in the table, for sure. 2nd half of his season was not great, but RVP came back and lit up the score sheet. So now that Chamakh has experienced a full EPL season, I think he will know how to prepare for the LONG marathon that is the Arsenal season.
Cheers!
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It is outrageous how little you research things. Gervinho has played most of his life on the right wing of a 433 formation. When played as a solo stiker, or a secondary striker in a 442, he has performed poorly. Man it amazes me how you could write an article with such an appalling lack of knowledge.
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#1 Wilshere should not play on the wing, and will not be competing with anyone for a starting spot.
#2 i think using Walcott as a RM in a 4-4-2 would not play to his abilities at all. There is a difference between RW and RM. In a 4-4-2, i think Walcott should be competing with Gervinho as a striker.
#3 You say you don’t like Gervinho, probably because he does not have as much raw talent as some other players out there, such as Hazard. However, for me i think he could become a star. Sports is not all about talent. Character is a big part and competitveness. Look at some of Mourinho’s signings, such as Milito, and Pandev. And other players such as Stankovic. He really dont have this unbelievable talent but are great plaers because of their character and competitve desire. On the other hand, you have players like Walcott, unfortunately who seem to have all the talent but never show it in the big stage. To win you need character and desire and i think Gervinho has that. Lets hope i;m right.
Mr. Wenger please sign Douglas Costa. This kid will make us forget everyone else. Man City will be offering 100 mil for this guy after 2yrs with us!
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However I also agree that 4-4-2 is a more effective formation generally. But I think it could only happen if we were to sell Fabregas.
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can any1 who has watched lille games last season explain to me gervinho real position ? i keep hearing second striker cum winger ? i do hope his coming doesnt alter formation or tatics cos if he able to play on both flanks that means walcott will b d odd on out …
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IF FABREGAS AND NASRY WILL GO ARSENAL IS EMPTY .
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Wow nice post i must say but i see fabregas going to barca, nasri i think is quite controversial for now. As for gervinho he will be probably fill in for theo bcos he has not been so great playing at the right wing of arsenal midfield. he(theo) will be playing as a striker.
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My opinion:
4-1-2-2-1 (4-3-3)
Szczesny
Sagna-Vermaelen-Koscielny-NEW PLAYER
Song
Ramsey-Wilshere
Gervinho-Nasri
RvP
REASONS: Cesc will go. Clichy will go. Walcott is not good enough and he is not penetrable. Arsha is old. Wilshere MUST play.
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dumb article dumb fans. anyone here above the age of 21? didnt think so. sigh.
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I firmly believe all three will stay, which is why I wrote it like this. Until there is a concrete report from arsenal.com, no player has left or come in.
@Joel thanks for the feedback mate, much appreciated, try your hand at writing instead of bashing me when I have researched the guy. It doesn’t matter what he has played before, it’s what he is capable of playing under the right tutelage. Henry was a winger and then converted to a striker, so why can’t Gervinho do the same? It’s amazing how assholes like you think they can go around trashing other articles simply because they don’t agree with something or that they’re too stupid to see that this article is hypothetical because the lad hasn’t even joined us. Have a nice day, arsewipe.
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@Nasri, how do you know cesc is leaving?NAsri? Even the clichy deal isn’t verified. Just reports and speculation. Until I see other players at a press conference in a different jersey, they are arsenal players to me.
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I wish today were 1st of September! These rumours and speculations and ifs and ifnots are becoming simply unerving. Let what will be be quickly and let’s get on with the business of supporting our beloved Arsenal.
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Thanks @Wahooligan10
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@anders
I don’t know shit. N its all speculations, but gervinho won’t be playing upfront, he’s more of a winger, so if he wer to come, he’s takin nasri’s place on d left, n nasri will inherit cesc place. Well, i can say blah blah blah this n tat, but do you honestly n really believe wenger will get sign d likes of falcao, benzema or eto’o, Juan mata, hazard Or coentrao etc, i don’t.
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Are you on crack? Arsenal do not play 4-5-1, they play 4-2-1-2-1 (sometimes labeled as 4-2-3-1). One is defensive, the other most decidedly an attack formation. Fabregas would have been completely wasted in a 4-5-1, playing way back in what is actually Song’s role. Watch the games, do the research.
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I believe Arsenal can only make progress if this bunch of ingrates; Nasri, Fabregas and Clichy are shipped out of the team. I can’t imagine how players who participated in almost every match will become so disilusioned (with who?)for not winning a trophy.Unfortunately and for sure, non of these ingrates will make the first team of their intended Clubs. Nasri can only be remembered for killing Arsenal counter attacks, Clichy will be remembered for defensive flops while Febrigas holds the ace for playing ith his and heart in Barcelon. Am gonna pop a bottle of Guinness extra Stout if Nasri leaves; I will for sure pop a bottle of star beer should Fabregas depart. Give me credit, i will pop a bottle of Gulder beer should Clichy leave. Common Wenger wise up, shine your eye. Can’t you see the need to do away with these wastes.
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I dont think we will be playing 4-3-3 again with cesc gone,tht formation was tailourd for the spainard,though i also believe that diaby will come good this season. My favourite formation next season will be 4-3-3,with walcott playing as the pointman,rvp hanging out on the right,and arshavin/alvarez on the left,gervinho will stay on the bench. Midfield can be diaby,wilshere and nasri, i take my preference of diaby over from that st james park,ok he got sent off but that 52 minutes was arsenal at thier best. Why are we not thinking of Juan Manual Vargas to replace clichy
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Myachi will never make it as a premier league footballer for Arsenal. Nasri has not gone. Gervinho will add very little for at least a year. Why fans think that Oxelade- Chamberlain would be a good signing is beyond me. We need two really decent defensive players of world class stature.
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Woo, gerivnho is a winger both good on the left and right side of the midfield. Wenger will push theo as second striker to support robin. With or without nasri and cesc.
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@Andy Bishop it seems to me that you want Arsenal to once again become one of the most boring teams in football. We have no need for two defensive mids. I would want only one, and that would be CHarlie Adam because he’s young, has talent, grit and determination. I wouldn’t want anyone else as Song is a very good DM as it is. I agree that Chamberlain isn’t needed, but Myaichi has talent. I think he needs to bulk up, because he’ll get tossed around a lot, but he has bags of potential, and a certain aggresiveness to his play that I admire.
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I don’t think Walcott would be that great as an SS because he wouldn’t have as much space to run in, isn’t very strong, and isn;t a great aerial threat.
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@anders
Why won’t theo have space to exploit, either rvp will draw players 4 theo to exploit, n d same 4 theo to draw players 4 rvp to exploit. Players such as theo, nasri, arshavin are clearly under-utilised by playing them on d wings. We saw d best of nasri in d absence of cesc, y is it so, think.
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take out fabregas n nasri name please..clichy too..they wont be at emirates next season..
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@eric I agree with you 100%! The trio of Cesc, Nasri and Clichy should just ship out and be replaced with players ready to play for the team! We will still be very competitive without them.
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“As readers of Just Arsenal know, I’m not a big fan of Gervinho”
“WIth these two playing along side each other, they have the potential to form the most deadly partnership in the EPL.”
Make your mind up Anders. Correct me if i’m wrong but doesn’t Gervinho play in the exact same system as Arsenal play but as a winger for Lille ? They have Moussa Sow as the striker with Hazard and Gervinho as the wingers, or don’t they ?
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@charlie
Couldn’t agree more
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Good opinions and suggestions, but first we should wait to see how the transfer market develops. Personally I think Fabregas is going out, Nasri probably does too, as well Clichy, having the same probabilities of going somewhere else as Nasri, but Fabregas is almost done. Gervinho is a fact, and I am anxious to see one of both, Cahill or Samba signing for the centre back partner for Vermaelen, Koscielny did great sometimes, lame others, but still not too bad as sucker Squillacci. I would also prefer Leighton Baines as replacement for Clichy, and secure the signings of Eden Hazard and a very well known striker, personally like Benzema a lot. Ricky Álvarez is comming too, supposedly. Anyways, all of these are between speculations, rumors, some talks between clubs that are really going one, other pure lies, etc., so first we have to wait at least a couple of weeks to see what’s really going to happen.
I would not mind letting Clichy, Fábregas and Nasri go away, knowing that all, or almost all of the above mentioned are comming. Of course restructuring the team will be a MUST factor, but Wenger would have really good options between centre backs Vermaelen, Djourou, Cahill and Samba, having a good performer on Baines replacing Clichy’s position and of course Sagna on the right side. On the middle, Wilshere, Song, Gervinho, Hazard, Walcott, probably Nasri, Ramsey, Álvarez, and Arshavin if develops to his old good performance, and finally, great Van Persie along with Benzema. Of course, Szczesny to continue his improvement as keeper.
Formation, positions, who’s playing and who’s on bench, all of these of course will have to be analyzed by Wenger, but I insist, with these signings, I think we would have enormous chances of reaching the position we must have been several years ago.
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Of course we cannot have all of them, but if Nasri and Fabregas go, along with Rosicky, Bendtner, Clichy, and Squillacci at least, we are having money to spend big time.
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@charlie
THIS BOY GERVINHO AT THE LAST WORLD CUP TOOK THE BALL JUST FROM IVORY SIDE PASSED ALL 4 OR 5 PLAYERS AND GAVE THE BALL TO DROGBA TO SCORE…. HE IS A BIG BIG FIGHTER….
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…………………szczesny
Sagna……samba….vermalin…..boltelho
…………………song/parker…………………..
…………….ramsey……jack/nasri…………..
Gervinho………………………nasri/ashavin
………………Robin van persie……………….
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@John. I don’t know why that comment was to me, i think he’d be a great signing. It’s almost as if you’re telling me that i’m wrong. Oh, the first two sentances are quotes from this article by Anders and my point is that he has given totally contradictory opinions of the same player in the same article. I would love to see Mata and Gervinho signing, both are fantastic. Mata says he likes Valencia and they like him but fact is that they’re a club on the brink of bankrupcy and he’s their biggest asset so they may be forced to sell if anyone offers 20m. If Fabregas and Nasri leave we still have Frimpong, Song, Ramsey, Diaby, Wilshere and Landsbury in CM but i would like to see someone more proven than Alvarez come in. From what i hear he can’t last 90 minutes of an Argentinian league game and was usually used as a substitute. After seeing what happenned with Chamakh and tiredness that worries me a lot.
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szczesny
sagna samba cahill vermaelen
Parker
Wilshere Nasri
Gervinho Mata
RVP
SUBS: FABIANSKI,KOSCIELNY,DJOUROU,SONG,WALCOTT,RAMSEY,CHAMAKH
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I’m bumping into dis arsenal forum for d first time. Thogh an ardent fan, I really elated by d intellegent analytical comments from fellow fans. But one thing I could notice is d fact that nobody doubt d coMpetence of proff as a coach to turn stone to gold. Also we he is not one of those spend big coach cos he like working I think. My opinio is why can’t he looks toward african direction, get like four cheap average player. Nuturered and expose them to be what we ll cherish. Remember clinchy, adebayo, kolo toure, fabregas, nasril even henry are all average bench warmer in their club . Once again I ll like to drop my pin for direct xchange of info 23782CDA
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@Charlie I don’t like him for Arsenal, but he has talent and with RVP as a partner you can’t go wrong regardless.
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