Arsenal v Everton: 5 Things We Learned

1. Olivier Giroud is a fighter

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And no, I do not just mean on the pitch.

I will go into more detail on this in an upcoming article, but what we saw from Giroud was far from what is the norm for the Frenchman. He had lost his starting spot, found himself in unfamiliar territory and was being used as a glorified substitute.

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Yet, give him a start, and Olivier Giroud will make you question why you ever sat him in the first place. At least, that’s what happened this time.

We know how Giroud can sometimes have confidence problems. Instead of getting down on himself, he came out onto the pitch ready to claim his rightful spot. His physicality and hold up play was impeccable. He has not looked this good since the second leg against Monaco last year. Giroud was doing everything. He was shooting from distance with accuracy, heading brilliantly and boxing out a physical Everton side.

Good luck keeping your spot, Theo Walcott.

Next: Arsenal v Everton Player Ratings

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park