Stats: Olivier Giroud v Robin Van Persie – Who comes out on top?

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Olivier Giroud and Robin Van Persie could be leading the Arsenal and Manchester United attacks when the sides meet tomorrow.

Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud and Manchester United’s Robin Van Persie could be in direct competition tomorrow night when the champions travel to the Emirates, clinging onto hope of a top four finish.

For Arsenal, the three points are huge as they stare at the very realistic possibility of their first trophy since 2005 and the Premier League title. The Gunners will be determined to react positively following the loss to Liverpool last weekend and Giroud is likely to be the central attacking figure in any game plan.

We’ve taken a look at the two strikers across five key attacking areas to judge who will come out on top.

Goals

There’s nothing between them in terms of goals with the major difference being Van Persie has bagged his ten in fewer games, which suggests he’d be ahead had he made the same number of appearances as the Frenchman.

On Target Attempts

Giroud does have more attempts on target this season, which suggests that Van Persie is the more accurate and deadly of the two strikers. His conversion rate in terms of shots on target is greater than Giroud’s.

Big Chances Missed

No other striker in the Premier League has missed more ‘big chances’ than Giroud this season. It’s encouraging for Arsenal that he’s getting into those positions but if the game comes down to a good chance for either forward, United fans can be confident that Van Persie will put his away.

Passes

Giroud is way out in front in terms of passes, which is no surprise because he plays in arguably the best passing side in the Premier League. It suggests Giroud does more in terms of dropping off to get involved in the build up play, whereas Van Persie is always pressing the defence, looking to get in behind.

Final Third Entires

That’s proven by the fact Giroud has ‘entered’ the final third on more occasions this season. Giroud is trying to find ways to pull players out of position, ways to work with the midfield and ways to have more of an impact in big games. Should he focus more on staying inside the final third like Van Persie?

image: © wonker