Olivier Giroud finally looks like he is enjoying life at the Emirates after proving instrumental in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Montpellier on Wednesday. Giroud, playing against his former club proved just why Arsene Wenger brought him to the Emirates, with two assists that suggest he can play the bulky striker’s role that the Ligue 1 side once had in their attack.
Indeed, his all-round game on Wednesday was a joy to behold, the striker holding the ball up, distributing well, and, importantly, preoccupying Montpellier’s defenders during both Arsenal goals. Indeed, his two assists proved just how good a team player Giroud can be, even though he didn’t keep those who bet on football with bet365, and backed him in the first goalscorer market entirely happy!
Arsenal’s first came in unorthodox fashion: a high ball into the box where Giroud used all his strength and 6ft 4in frame to nod down for Jack Wilshere to blast home. His second was a master-class of defence-splitting passing with a looped one-two setting up Lukas Podolski for a superb volley. His assists came off the back of four goals in three matches, yet his performance proved that goals are not the only part of a striker’s game.
“You always know with Olivier that you will get a guy who fights for the team,” Wenger told The London Evening Standard.“When he is a target man and uses his link-up play, he is fantastic because he can win in the air, he can score with his feet and can be a complete striker — he still has some work to do, but he is getting better.”
Wenger’s mention of a target man suggests he has a striker capable of filling Robin van Persie’s boots. It has been tough for Giroud this season to live up to the expectations of replacing such a prolific striker, but recent performances suggest that he does have the ability to fulfil the role – as provider, goalscorer, and a favourite of Premier League betting fans.