Arsenal: Olivier Giroud A Legend In His Own Right

Arsenal last half decade has been defined, for good and bad, by Olivier Giroud. But can we admit that he is a legend in his own right?

Arsenal definitely has a nice surplus of talent in their ranks and it’s a pretty cool feeling. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have their problems. And I find it rather funny that the solution to most of those problems comes in the form of someone who used to be blamed for all the problems.

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It’s a running joke here at Pain in the Arsenal that no matter what needs fixing, I will suggest Olivier Giroud. Everything can be solved with the big bearded quiff. Mostly I mean it as a joke, but as they say, there is a certain amount of truth in every joke and that is true here as well. I really do believe that Giroud can fix just about any problem that the Gunner’s are having – now more than ever.

Need space up front because Alexis is suffocated? Bring on Giroud. Need a bit of an extra physical presence? Bring on Giroud. Need someone who can hold onto the ball and bring the offense together? Bring on Giroud.

As a specialist, there is far less criticism coming his way. So little, in fact, that he has almost become a cult sensation himself.

It’s nice, to see so little hatred of Giroud lately. He is finally being appreciated. Probably because he is having less chances to disappoint.

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However, as many of you know, I don’t think that Giroud was ever anything more than a scapegoat when it came to problems and, as the title suggests, I absolutely believe that, in his own right, the Frenchman is an Arsenal hero, if not a legend.

Hate me yet? That’s okay. I am thinking practically here. Giroud was our striker through the ‘dark ages’ in North London, when the team wasn’t as high profile and, according to most, not competing for major trophies.

Yet they always put themselves in a position to compete and if you are going to blame Giroud for Arsenal not winning a trophy, then you have to credit him with at least keeping us in contention.

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The minutes per goal ratio that the Frenchman boasts is nothing to scoff at. It’s the real deal and you can’t argue stats. He’s no Thierry Henry or Dennis Berkgamp, obviously, but what he has done is the thankless work.