Arsenal vs Middlesbrough: Olivier Giroud Must Be Unleashed…. Again

Arsenal is in search of some kind of consistency and until they find it, they can’t just settle on the same old things. It’s time to unleash Olivier Giroud again.

Arsene Wenger has actually been showing a willingness to make changes given Arsenal‘s floundering form and while it shouldn’t have taken this long, at least we are here now. Some of the changes have even been pretty drastic.

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Alex Iwobi was sent down to the U23s after a season full of futility and it should have nothing but positive consequences.

Danny Welbeck was also given the run up front. So many supporters were calling for Welbeck and Alexis to be combined up front because of the ridiculous amount of talent and athleticism the two share and Wenger adhered to that request. He has started the English stallion in five straight matches.

But in those five matches, Welbeck has only managed one goal and his effectiveness has been incredibly hit or miss. The effort is always there, as can be expected, but he just hasn’t been gelling with the offense.

Given the stakes, and given how this team has to batten down the hatches and pray for good fortunes in order to get in the Champions League, it is time to swap up some more players, especially those that aren’t clicking.

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Even more so, because Olivier Giroud has been in great form and before he slips out of form, he needs to be put back into the starting XI where he has to be feeling like he belongs.

This is what it is all about, this competition. Let the players motivate each other with themselves. There is no motivation greater than feeling like you could be replaced and it’s those kinds of stakes that are needed to get the team back in the right direction.

As I said, it is very positive that Welbeck has been giving these starts and I hope that this is the start of a trend, because Wenger absolutely does have a lot of talent here he needs maximizing. And if Giroud doesn’t gel as quickly, then it’s time to rotate again, maybe put Alexis back up front.

Not only that, but Middlesbrough are a solid defensive unit and at home, they are going to be even better. However, Calum Chambers will be missing and, combined with how deep they sit, it feels like the perfect opportunity to try to get the most out of Giroud again.

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Plus, Wenger needs to start getting an indication of what players he can rely on going into a brand new season. Anyone that can make a difference now, as the club is flailing, is probably a safe bet for inclusion next season.