After another fine performance from Oliver Giroud in the 2014/15 season against Middlesbrough, I have decided to look at where the turn of form from the French striker has come from.
The 28 year old joined Arsenal in 2012, shortly after helping Montpellier win Ligue 1 by being the league’s top scorer with 21 goals. It is no secret he was unable to adapt to life in the premier league straight away, with his first goal coming in late September in a 6-1 Capital One Cup tie against Coventry City. Giroud finally began to find the net more often notably in games against Schalke, Liverpool and Tottenham. But came under much criticism from the media and Arsenal fans for his failure to make an impact against teams in the top four. Games in which Arsenal needed that bit extra from the forward due to the lack of options up front. However, Olivier ended the season with 17 goals and 11 assists that season and helped guide Arsenal to 3rd spot in the league. A record in which many strikers would have been pleased with after their first season in a new country.
With Arsene Wenger only signing Yaya Sanogo in the summer of 2013, Arsenal again were to rely on Olivier for goals last season and Giroud started last season with a vast improvement compared to his first season in England. He scored the opener in the opening day defeat to Aston Villa which followed with getting 5 goals in the opening 6 matches and with the arrival of playmaker Mesut Ozil on deadline day, a lot more was expected of Giroud for the season. But with a record of 3 goals in 21 games against the top 7 teams and below par performances against Stoke, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Everton meant Giroud was again the focus of criticism from fans and the media. However, with long term injuries to Ozil, Walcott and a spell with Ramsey on the sidelines last season, was the criticism perhaps too harsh?
We all know Giroud is not the quickest of players. He is the threat in the air that Arsenal needed when a certain Dutch striker left. As we have seen when Podolski and Walcott were called up front, Centre backs can keep them relatively quiet and especially against the top 4 they can easily fail to make an impact. Olivier can offer something extra at set pieces and his hold up play can cause other teams defences a problem. Whilst Olivier failed to again make an impact in the big games last season, he was of course not the only player not to play to their full potential and there was still 10 other players on that pitch. Despite his alleged affair breaking out the news, which would have no doubt caused unrest in his private life and effect his momentum on the pitch, and with the fans getting on his back. Giroud was able to still get 22 goals for the season.
After a World cup summer and time to gain sort his issues at home and the signings of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck to add pace, flair and link up to Giroud, we have all witnessed a welcoming change in Olivier’s game. The Frenchman started the season with a fine finish in the Community Shield against Man City and the equalising goal away to Everton in August only to have suffered a broken leg. Whilst injured the 28 year old signed a new long term deal with the club and on his first game back upon return from injury and despite it only being a consolation goal, Giroud scored one of his best in an Arsenal shirt against Manchester United and a few weeks later a brace against Newcastle and a goal at Anfield meant that Giroud was finally receiving praise from his critics. Giroud missed the Christmas period after a “headbutt” on Onouha saw him get a straight but it was not until a trip to the Etihad, where Giroud scored from a Cazorla free kick he was to get his name on the score sheet again.
So, what has caused the change of form? Well, Olivier’s finishing has looked a lot better this season as we saw with two fine finishes against Middlesbrough in the FA cup which usually comes when a player has more confidence in his ability. His hold up play has improved and Giroud is more aware of where other players are when doing his slick flick on’s. Another factor is that his midfield are creating more chances for him and the arrival of Alexis has no doubt benefited Giroud’s performances on the pitch and given him more chances. The Frenchman is also using the strength he has to his advantage and seems to now have a better understanding of what is required in English football. Despite the lack of pace, he has better movement which is causing defenders issues when marking him and we have seen the results from this on the pitch. Had it not been for the injury and red card, Giroud may have been Arsenal’s top scorer this season.
