Arsenal: Olivier Giroud Will Replace Alexis Sanchez At Opportune Moment

Arsene Wenger has stated that Olivier Giroud will replace Alexis Sanchez as Arsenal’s starting striker against certain types of opponents.

The Arsenal style is changing this season. For many years, Arsene Wenger has deployed a central striker with the intention of him bringing other players into play. The likes of Emanuel Adebayor and Robin Van Persie – although the latter is not the most physical he was still used as a target man – have been utilised to hold up the ball and knit together the tight, intricate passing in the final third.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs Swansea: 3 Things To Watch For

Since the departure of Van Persie in 2012, that mantle has fallen on the shoulders of Olivier Giroud. As a strong, powerful player, Giroud is an excellent hold-up man with a great first touch and excellent awareness of teammate’s runs around him.

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

However, Wenger has chosen to employ Alexis Sanchez in a high press system where pace is prioritised over power. Such a style does not suit Giroud’s game whatsoever. However, Wenger has stated that Giroud will replace Sanchez against the right opponents when asked about the prospects of the French forward:

"“It’s completely different style to Giroud, but… he’s more dribbler, a guy who comes to the ball, a guy who runs at people with the ball. Olivier [Giroud] is more a game who brings other players in. They are two interesting styles. For example, in a game like a Burnley when we couldn’t score you would’ve liked to have had Olivier with you.”"

That is the perfect way to utilise both players. Sanchez, while a wonderful player, struggled against the deep lying Burnley defence as he was physically overpowered with the lack of space in and around the box. Giroud has the physical stature to provide a focal point to the attack against teams that are willing to drop deep.

When there is no space in behind, deploying numerous players that possess great pace but poor first touches is a futile approach. Someone who can hold up the ball, occupy defenders and then bring others into play is a far more useful player – that man is Giroud.

Next: Fantasy Football: Top 5 Transfers For Gameweek 8

The French international certainly has his limitations. He does, however, also have his uses. Against the right teams, Giroud is the right player. He will replace Sanchez at times this season, but it must come at the opportune moment.