Arsenal: Olivier Giroud Brilliance Hints At Bright Future

Olivier Giroud scored a stupendous goal in the win over Crystal Palace. His brilliance hints at a bright future for Arsenal in their Premier League quest.

Have you seen a better goal than that in an Arsenal shirt? It was a tremendous finish from Olivier Giroud, one very much reminiscent of Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s equally remarkable goal, and one that served his side in many more ways than simply satisfying a baying crowd.

The back-heeled finish, which was only matched by an equally sublime Giroud flick earlier in the same move to release Granit Xhaka and ultimately set the Frenchman up, was as important as it was fabulous. In typical Giroud fashion, he had already missed a guilt-edged opportunity earlier in the match and worries were growing amid what a match that was shaping up in typical fashion; superiority without success.

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The goal brought the all-important breakthrough for the Gunners and, with Crystal Palace seemingly unable and unwilling to attack with any semblance of danger or threat, all but secured the three points for Arsene Wenger’s side, three points that were eventually locked up with a rather fortuitous, but nonetheless deserved, Alex Iwobi header early in the second half.

It was not the supreme, the peerless, purring Arsenal that we have come to expect. Rather, it was consummate and comfortable, controlled, measured and systematic. Much of that can be attributed to the lethargic performance of Palace, a side seemingly devoid of energy and direction, still adapting to the newly-instilled approach of Sam Allardyce.

The emergence of Giroud, since his reinstatement and reinvigoration in the win over West Brom on Boxing Day, is highly significant. While he is no longer the spearhead of the side, that role now rests on the shoulders of Alexis Sanchez, having alternative options to turn to, a plan B, late in games when in search of goals is very important.

Giroud offers such an option like no other in the Arsenal squad. His aerial prowess, his strength and his physical power are uniquely dangerous. He also, like few others in the squad, enjoys playing with his back to goal. Unlike Sanchez, who far prefers to drop deep, receive the ball to feet and turn, driving at the defence, Giroud is far more static in his play, looking to create space for others by merely occupying centre-halves, winning flicks and bringing others into play as they run off of him.

Next: Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace: 5 Things We Learned

The Premier League is long and inconsistent. Being able to win games and score goals in a multitude of ways is vital if a team harbours any realistic title aspirations. For Arsenal, Olivier Giroud offers just another way to score, as highlights by his truly brilliant back-heel flick.

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