Jamie Carragher has claimed on CBS Sports (05/10/22 at 7:35 pm) that Olivier Giroud got ‘unfair criticism’ at Arsenal because he wasn’t Thierry Henry, following his return with AC Milan to English football against Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
In 2018, Arsenal sold the 36-year-old to their bitter rivals Chelsea, where he ended up winning the Europa League at the expense of the Gunners, before Serie A title glory in AC Milan colours last season.
During his days in north London, Giroud was a marmite-like figure, during a period when the club was declining under Arsene Wenger, despite their numerous FA Cup successes.
Whilst the France international spent most of his time in Arsenal colours, it was across London where he is more fondly remembered and he returned to Stamford Bridge last night.
Giroud played over 70 minutes as AC Milan were outclassed 3-0 by Graham Potter’s Chelsea, who picked up their first win of this season’s Champions League campaign.
Nonetheless, when discussing Giroud’s career and the success he has had, former Liverpool defender Carragher thinks he has had a ‘huge impact’ wherever he has gone.
“For me, every club he has been at, he has had a huge impact,” said Carragher. “I am a huge fan of his. I think he got unfair criticism when he was at Arsenal, the fact that the criticism came because he wasn’t Thierry Henry, which not many people are.”
UNDERRATED GIROUD
Giroud has more than just goals to his name, for a big man, his touch, quick-thinking ability and technique in the final third is second to none.
He can make that ball talk and move like a much smaller-framed striker such as Gabriel Jesus and he is a player much appreciated by those who play alongside him.
Eden Hazard has played alongside some of the greats of the game, but he made it clear that Giroud is the best he has played alongside (Independent), which is some compliment.
It’s no surprise because the 2018 World Cup winner, wherever he has played, has also made those around him much better, even if his lack of lethal finishing might frustrate some.
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