Arsenal are flying in the English Premier League at the moment. That was highlighted today with their 4-1 win over ‘Top Four’ rivals Liverpool.

The Gunner’s creative players rightfully get a lot of praise. Most teams would cry out to have the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and/or Alexis Sanchez in their team. They ripped Liverpool apart, although the nervy ‘Reds’ defence also let their side down at the Emirates.

Another key-man recently has been Francis Coquelin and the defensive midfielder again had another assured performance. As did young right-back Hector Bellerin. Danny Welbeck’s continuous running and hard graft is also invaluable to the team.

But I want to champion Oliver Giroud.

Now I know he’s just been awarded the player of the month for March and deservedly so but he still has doubters.

People think he’s a pretty boy, who is good but not great. Others have criticised him for not scoring enough, especially in the bigger games.

To be honest, Giroud has been haunted by many of these doubters since his opening few months at the Emirates, when he squandered a few easier chances.

But right from the off I could see he was a very good striker and not just because Andrew Gibney told me!

Why? 

Because he always gets his head down, tries to improve and doesn’t listen to the knockers. He still got into the right places in the first place. Oliver is also very intelligent and is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of the team.

The French striker helps those around him by being the focal point for the frontline. He will come deep or go to the channels or stay up top, wherever he’s needed the most.

Giroud will also bring his creative partners into the game by flicking passes in and around opposition defenders. That allows willing runners like Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Ozil, Welbeck, Cazorla and Sanchez the chance to get behind the opposing teams defences. He’s far from being just a pretty boy.

You can no longer criticise Oliver Giroud for his goal contribution either.

In all competitions the Gunners number twelve has bagged himself seventeen goals in twenty-two games. As his club hit top form, Oliver has scored six in his last five Arsenal outings. Against the teams currently residing in the leagues top five positions, Giroud has managed a respectable five goals.

Arsenal might have been right in the title mix had he not been injured for a few months at the start of the season. His presence has been that good this season.

The former Montpellier hitman is now fully focused and seems happy with life. Those are always valuable commodities for any forward.

Too many times in football, people will write off players after just a few months at a new club and league. You need to give players time to settle in. I never get that. The same happened to Didier Drogba and even Gunners legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.

I feel Oliver Giroud is just hitting his peak and along with the rest of the squad could retain the FA Cup and qualify for the Champions League again!

Arsenal could well finish in the top two this term, both Chelsea and Manchester City will be looking over their shoulder as they continue to slip up. To stand any chance of that the Gunners need to stay inform and need Giroud to do the same.

Posted on April 4th, 2015 by scott
Filed under: Article