Arsenal were never really challenged in the match, and by the end had it very easy as they walked over a hapless Reading side, who did very little to impress new manager Nigel Adkins in his first match in-charge since taking over. Goals from Gervinho, Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and a Mikel Arteta penalty sealed the 3 points for Arsenal. However, it was the Ivorian international who stood out and impressed Wenger the most.

Not only did the former Lille man open the scoring for the Gunners, but he also set up Cazorla and Giroud in an overall virtuoso display. Though he did miss a couple of good chances, it did not matter in the end as he guided Arsenal to one of their most comfortable victories of the season.

According to Metro.co.uk, a very happy Wenger spoke to the press after the game and praised Gervinho for his all-round performance. He said, “Gervinho was everything you want from a striker,”

“He was always lively and created many dangerous situations. I’m sorry because in the game he had an assist, he scored but he had more chances. He lacked a bit of confidence in front of the goal.”

“Overall though, he was absolutely outstanding.”

It looks certain that his performance yesterday will help him cement his place in the starting 11 for the next few fixtures, which has not been the case off late. He started the season brightly for Arsenal as he was deployed as a central striker up-front. He repaid Wenger’s faith with a flurry of goals, however he then jetted off for the African Cup of Nations and since returning, he has not been able to reproduce that same form for Arsenal.

He has been in and out of the team regularly, losing out on his place to Lukas Podolski on the left-hand side of attack. However, it looks like yesterday’s strong perfomance will help him sustain his place in the starting 11, at least for the coming weeks. Do you see Gervinho keeping Podolski on the bench for long?