Red Detective’s view: Gervinho the False 9? Podolski, Giroud, Llorente

This Arsenal team is much different from the side last year. It is no longer being driven by a single-pronged express train of brilliance. Robin van Persie has gone to Manchester United and the creativity of the team is moving deeper again into the midfield. There are better options up front but moreover there are Plan’s A, B and C. Gervinho, Podolski and Giroud bring unique qualities.

Wenger has used Gervinho in the central area, allowing him to thrive in a drifting running striker option. Granted a freedom to drift, knit connections with the wider players and midfielders, room to dribble from the flank; it is almost as if he is attempting to do a version of what Messi does at Barcelona. Gervinho looks to run in behind more however, and Messi is a magical player who is done a disservice by having ...