Arsenal Vs Chelsea: Combined Starting Eleven

Olivier Giroud

Now, before you rage-close this window, hear me out. I recognize the merits of Diego Costa. As much as I despise him, I recognize. I am not simply choosing Olivier Giroud out of spite for having to start John Terry and Eden Hazard.

Let’s hit the numbers.

Since coming to England, Costa has scored 37 goals in 6,075 minutes. That’s a goal every 155.77 minutes.

Olivier Giroud has scored 66 goals in 11,325 minutes. That’s a goal every 171.59 minutes.

So Costa then!

Not so fast. Giroud has also created 25 goals, whereas Costa has created just 12. Reapplying that to the minutes, we can see that Giroud contributes to a goal every 124.45 minutes and Costa contributes to one every 123.98 minutes.

It’s a basic wash.

Next Post: Arsenal’s Top 10 Prospects

So, between that and the intangibles, like Giroud’s link-up and hold-up play, I will conclude in favor of Giroud. And because I just don’t like Costa (there it is).