Arsenal Vs Sunderland: 5 Things We Learned

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3. Olivier Giroud is under-valued

Throughout his Arsenal career, Olivier Giroud has split opinions. The French international has a relaxed style. He very rarely looks flustered and often looks as though he just floats through games. However, his effectiveness cannot be under-valued. Giroud’s goal scoring abilities have been called into question in recent times, and while this is not only unfair, it misses the very aspect of Giroud’s game. He is so much more than simply a striker who scores goals. Giroud is the glue in Arsenal’s attacking moves. Like Ozil is the conductor, Giroud is the instrument, the tool. His touch is quite frankly unbelievable. The way he links up play with little flicks, his strength in occupying two center halves, his ability to bring others in to play. Giroud is the perfect striker for all of Arsenal’s technical players. The way Wenger encourages his side to play requires a focal point. There is no better than Olivier Giroud in that role.

Not only is his play integral to Arsenal’s attacking style, but contrary to popular belief, Giroud scores goals. Lots of them. Giroud now has eight Premier League goals in 16 games. It looks as though he may press on to greater heights in the coming months. The French striker will finish the season as Arsenal’s top scorer, barring injury, and after Saturday’s victory over Sunderland, his goals could well fire Arsenal to the title.

Next: 4. Flamini is not an adequate replacement for Coquelin