Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud put in a dismal show against Manchester United.
The big frustration for Arsenal fans about not signing a new striker last summer or in January was not to do with only having extra cover for Olivier Giroud, it was about having a decent alternative.
Last night was one such instance where they really could have done with one, the Frenchman was wasteful in front of goal and generally woeful, carrying on where he left off against Liverpool.
He has now failed to score against Manchester United in four separate appearances, and didn’t even look like doing so last night.
He had opportunities, but contrived to blow all of them, from the very first moments to the last. His game statistics were not impressive:
| Player | Team | Total Scoring Att | Ontarget Scoring Att | Mins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivier Giroud | Arsenal | 5 | 0 | 90 |
He headed an early chance wide, and late on he failed to connect with a gilt-edged opening which looked like providing a late winner.
In terms of passing he was just as poor, completing just 59 per cent of his passes, and losing possession a whopping 20 times. Only Mesut Ozil (21) and Jack Wilshere (23) gave the ball away on more occasions.
| Player | Team | Pos | Pass completion accuracy % | Poss Lost All | Apps | Mins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivier Giroud | Arsenal | FW | 58.97 | 20 | 1 | 90 |
It was a game where few players on either side shone, but Giroud’s lack of ability in an important game once again was showcased for all to see.
Chances are running out for him to prove he is the big game striker Arsenal crave, if he can’t show it, then in the summer he may find himself replaced rather than seeing a new face brought into complement him.
image: © joncandy
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