Ian Wright knows a few things about scoring goals – having netted 185 of them in his Arsenal career. So when he talks about Premier League strikers, his words carry a certain weight to them. He took the opportunity to talk about Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who, despite having scored in his three games previous, has come under fire once again due to two high-profile misses in the north London derby on Sunday.
Wright spoke decisively in defence of the French international in comments this week, specifically addressing the misses this weekend as well as the long-standing claims made by fans and pundits alike that Giroud was not capable of leading the line for a title-contending side.
Olivier Giroud has taken so much stick it’s a wonder he isn’t black and blue. His critics were at it again on Sunday after he missed a couple of great chances in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham.
Forget all that talk of this being the Gunners’ best chance in years of winning the title, they said, with Giroud leading the line they haven’t got a prayer. Yes, the Frenchman didn’t have his finest hour against Spurs. But to put all the blame at his door is unfair and wrong.
Perhaps thinking of Giroud’s overall scoring record this season, which has seen him net eight goals already, including six in the Premier League while sharing time up front with Theo Walcott, Wright offered his strongest statement defending the 29-year old Giroud.
If Arsenal do see their title hopes go up in smoke again this season, it won’t be down to the fact that Giroud is up front.
Giroud will be on international duty with France during the break as they play a pair of friendlies with Germany (13th November) and England (17th November). With Walcott not expected back until the 29th November match against Norwich City, expect Giroud to be leading the Arsenal attack when Premier League games resume. Arsenal take on West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on 21st November.
