Talk Of Arsenal Move Unsettled N'Zogbia

There is no doubt, if Roeder had stayed at St James' Park, Charlie Boy would have been on his way. And all the talk of a move to Arsenal certainly unsettled the midfielder, even though Arsene Wenger did no more than say he "liked" the kid.

No offer came from London, not even a phone call. The London press made the meal of a 'throw away' comment but it certainly hit N'Zogbia hard, as he was wanting a move and what better club than Arsenal?

But Geremi has stepped in as N'Zogbia's mentor and life is back on track, with everyone happy.

The untimely death of his father was a big blow, and N'Zogbia had looked destined for a summer exit after his Vicarage Road walkout on the final day of last season, when he stormed out of the dressing room after learning he was not in the United team to face Watford.

 

Roeder tore a strip off him at Fratton Park after a desperate performance in United's 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth.

Allardyce: "The young man's talented, but with not much direction.

"He has a body language in that he does not appear to be too happy on a day-to-day basis, but he gets on really well with Geremi and that's helped him. Geremi is a father figure to him and Charles is listening and learning.

"Having someone talking to him like Geremi can help him understand the game a bit more. He can grow from there and be a good player.

"Not all players with great ability can be great players. He's got to have an equally good attitude to get the best out of himself.

"Coming from deep, Charles can see the picture a little bit more and he ends up having more space to run into as a left-back. He has got terrific ability when he gets there, as we saw with his goal at Middlesbrough, and he can beat defenders and get the final cross in."