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Olivier Giroud And Mesut Ozil Spring Arsenal To Improbable Win
By Josh Sippie
Lining up against Bayern Munich is not the most desirable situation to be in. Especially when you need a win. They are the best team in the world as is. But with Arsenal’s back up against the wall, even Pep Guardiola gave the upper hand to the Gunnes.
The being said, seeing the fairytale come true is something completely different.
Who better to spring the Gunners to temporary glory than Olivier Giroud? No style points were necessary. The set piece came spinning in and Giroud fell head first, into the ball, which subsequently ended up going into an empty net.
It looked as though Koscielny would get the ball first and Manuel Neuer thought so too as he was occupied with the defender as Olivier Giroud came in from the back.
What we saw today is exactly what some people predicted, an Arsenal side that prepared for a tough, gritty battle. Arsenal had to surrender about one-third of the possession to Bayern Munich but their defense and composure weathered the storm. Pete Cech pulled out some clutch saves, one in particular against a free Robert Lewnadowski to keep the game goalless.
Mesut Ozil made a strong showing as well, as he had to silence any lingering haters out there. He maintained excellent composure against stout opposition. Not only that, but in the dying moments, he was rewarded for his efforts with a goal to seal the result and deliver a rare loss to Bayern Munich.
Some other points of interest, Alexis Sanchez looked exhausted but still managed to be the focal point of the attack up until he was subbed off.
Aaron Ramsey picked up an injury that looked to be the pesky hamstrings. It was a non-contact injury, which raises the concern considerably.
But the hero is Olivier Giroud. While it was Petr Cech and the defense that kept Arsenal alive and and kicking, and the Ozil goal that sealed the fate, it was the Giroud goal that brought the crowd to life and proved the difference maker. Girouds goals per 90 is now well over 1.00, according to Squawka.com. It will be a massive boost to the Frenchmans often questionable confidence.
With this win, Arsenal find themself right back in contention for the Champions League. The squad showed tremendous ability and resolve to spring back into a competition that everyone out there was calling them dead in. Again we see that Arsenal play their best with their backs up against the wall.
Next up in the Champions League, Bayern Munich yet again.