Arsenal: 5 Things We Learned From Dinamo Zagreb Stomping

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2. Olivier Giroud does not need to score to be effective

For Olivier Giroud, it used to be a matter of score or get off the pitch. I have frequently vouched for his ability as an elite striker because he scores frequently. But against Zagreb, he did not score yet he was one of the best performers on the pitch. The first goal was largely thanks to him. His forward run is what freed up Mesut Ozil behind him.

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The fact that Olivier Giroud does not have an assist yet on the season is bizarre. Giroud kept an 80% pass completion against Zagreb. That used to be the anomaly of Giroud’s game. He usually averages in the mid-60s. But recently it has become a theme. He can average upwards of 80% on a regular basis.

Giroud’s hold up play is fantastic and it only seems to get better. The Frenchman was tied for the lead on the entire pitch in terms of aerials won. A long ball to Giroud from the back is guaranteed to land in Arsenal’s possession. He is fantastic at settling the ball and hitting his team mates on the run.

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