• Premier League

'Nightmarish' defeat still haunting me - Gervinho

ESPN staff
March 16, 2012
Gervinho seemed to have taken an instant liking to Premier League football earlier in the campaign, but has struggled to produce that level of late © PA Photos
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Arsenal forward Gervinho claims the "sickening" defeat he endured in the final of the African Nations Cup is to blame for his recent dip in form.

The Ivory Coast international was involved as his country suffered a shock penalty reverse to Zambia - a loss he says he has still not recovered from.

Gervinho looked to have taken to the English game quickly over the first few months of the season, but in recent weeks has found himself relegated to the bench, with either Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Yossi Benayoun preferred in a left-wing role.

Nonetheless, the 24-year-old, who arrived in London from Lille for £10.5 million last summer, feels his current difficulties are only temporary, and he will return to top gear soon.

"I have come back from a nightmarish African Nations Cup," Gervinho said, according to the Sun. "We lost out on the trophy in the final in sickening fashion. I've become more and more tired, both physically and mentally.

"It has not been easy emotionally either, so it is natural to be suffering the after-effects. But I am not worried and I'm going to come back stronger than ever."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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