After Robin Van Persie was sold to Manchester United in August 2012, a lot of expectation and weight was left on the shoulders of new Frenchman at the Emirates, Olivier Giroud.
Naturally, people were always going to compare him to the prolific Dutchman. Giroud had an okay first season, scoring 11 goals in the Premier League from 34 appearances, but probably not the heights that Arsenal fans were expecting.
This season, however, Giroud is leading the line like he has been Arsenal’s first choice striker for years. The impressive midfield of the Gunners are really benefitting from a striker who is willing to hold the ball and bring the other attacking players into play, just what you need from a lone striker leading the line. It’s also refreshing seeing the forward get back and defend set pieces brilliantly.
What he brings physically to the Arsenal team is also backed up by an exquisite touch, excellent foot-work and great finishing. The story so far is that Giroud has scored 4 goals from 7 appearances, which of course is just over 1 goal every 2 games. A prolific record so far, which has every chance of growing as the season goes on, with excellent suppliers from midfield, including the ‘King of Assists’, Mesut Ozil.