Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that Gervinho is a more mature player ahead of Monday's clash with Newcastle United.

The Ivory Coast international was sent off on his league debut against the Magpies on the opening day of the season following an altercation with Joey Barton.

Despite the bad start to his Gunners career, Wenger believes that the forward is wiser after eight months in the Premier League.

"Gervinho had a bad response to provocation from our friend Barton," said Wenger.

"He was shocked to be sent off because he felt he didn't do a lot. But I think he learned his lesson in his first game and it's better to do that than after 20."

Arsenal can move to within a point of third-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a win at the Emirates Stadium.