We all know Olivier Giroud, we sing for him for every goal he scores, every bit of skill he does. He’s a likeable person, appearing in PaddyPower adverts and French magazines. A large question does surface on the topic of the Frenchman however…
On the 26th of June 2012, Arsenal introduced Olivier Giroud to their squad – a reported £13,000,000 from Montpellier, who had just won Ligue 1. In 84 appearances in the league the French striker would go on to score 44 goals, averaging a goal every two matches.
However, this season – which with respect has only just started – the ex-Montpellier striker has just managed to score three in ten. Giroud has received a lot of stick from people over his ‘poor’ statistics. But, last season, the Frenchman scored 14 in the league whereas Alexis – who was voted Arsenal Player of the Year – got 16, just two more.
Giroud is a strong player and the criticism comes from the frustration of Arsenal fans who are disappointed by Arsene Wenger’s choice to not sign a class striker.
Yes we were linked with Karim Benzema, yes he would be a good fit, yes we probably need him but he doesn’t deserve to put Giroud to shame.
The Frenchman has helped us win two FA Cups. Although he may not be consistent, he can do and has done a good job for the Gunners. The ex-Montpellier attacker has shown his quality time and time again – involved in the club’s amazing goal against Norwich two seasons ago. He’s scored winners. His finish earlier this season at Selhurst Park was more than impressive.
I disagree with criticism of Giroud, but we need another striker. Danny Welbeck is injury prone and although he does score, isn’t consistent for the club. A player like Karim Benzema or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund would be a great fit into the side. Players like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will without doubt be great suppliers to these clinical strikers, this could easily gain Arsenal a lot more points.
But Giroud is good enough. Not good enough for us to not have the need to sign a world-class striker, but good.
This leaves me with the question, is Giroud’s Arsenal career over?
