"Gervinho is a fantastic provider, but he also creates space for the other players because he always goes behind defenders," Wenger said.
"The problem with Gervinho is that he is in the opposite position of Robin van Persie. He is desperate for a goal and it's difficult once you are in that situation. You could see the other night [against Dortmund], he had the chance to score but players can start to think too much."
The 24-year-old made a bright start to his Arsenal career since joining from French club Lille in the summer. The £11 million ($17.1 million) winger has appeared in 15 games in all competitions and registered six assists. He is eager to add to the two goals he's scored in Arsenal colors, but Wenger believes his contributions in other areas more than make up for his meager goal haul. He told the player not to dwell on scoring fewer goals than he did for in his final season for Lille (18 goals in 50 games) as he adjusts to English soccer.
"When you start to think, you are already finished — but the rest of his game is absolutely fantastic," Wenger said. "He works hard for the team, provides, creates space and makes great runs. I'm personally very happy with his game."
Wenger recently spoke with the Ivory Coast international about improving his goal scoring record. The longtime Arsenal manager thinks if Gervinho continues to play his game, the goals will come because he puts himself into such good positions.
"For a long time you don't talk about it, but at some stage you have to say, 'Don't worry, try to be natural." he said. "I spoke to him today [Friday] about that, but he is not obsessed with scoring goals. It will come."
Photo via Flickr/Hinderz
