Despite heavy criticism, Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud continues to bang in the goals.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Speaking to reporters during his post-match press conference, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger praised Olivier Giroud after he scored his side’s equaliser in the dying minutes against Manchester United at Old Trafford yesterday, and explained how the Frenchman has been angry with his lack of first-team starts of late, as quoted by the club’s official website.
Giroud has often been made out as a scapegoat for Arsenal’s failures over the past few seasons, but it is hard to understand why he has received so much criticism when his goalscoring record is taken into account.
The 30-year old has scored 86 goals in 196 appearances (53 as a substitute) for the north London outfit, and his ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play is something that often goes under the radar.
Wenger spoke to the media after his side’s 1-1 draw with United, and singled out Giroud for praise, highlighting his ability to channel his anger in the correct fashion, as quoted by arsenal.com:
“He’s angry in a positive way. I’d say he’s more determined than angry. I have a lot of respect, not only for his quality as a footballer, but also for the man. The best answer he can give is always to show what he did today.”
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud
The Gunners will certainly need Giroud to be firing on all cylinders over the coming months, with Alexis Sanchez seemingly being close to breaking point after being pushed to the limit by both club and country over the first third of the season.
Next up for Arsenal is their crucial Champions League clash at home to Paris Saint Germain on Wednesday night, where a win would guarantee them top spot in Group A.
Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud celebrates
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