Arsenal: Olivier Giroud, Alexandre Lacazette rivalry starting early

Arsenal’s preseason begins shortly and with it, the first chance to see our new signings, yet it is most likely Olivier Giroud who will take center stage.

I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited for an Arsenal preseason match. Being on the east coast of the United States, I will be waking my happy self up at 5:30 AM to watch the Gunners take on Sydney FC in the hopes of seeing a team full of energy and ambition, willing to put up eight goals just because they feel like it.

It’s obvious who we all want to see in this match. Alexandre Lacazette is the main attraction and Sead Kolasinac is a pretty enticing viewing experience as well. We don’t know just yet in what capacity they will be used, but they most certainly will make their first appearances with their new team.

But that’s not what I want to talk about. I want to talk about Olivier Giroud (surprise!) because this is a huge match for Giroud and for his new team mate and fellow Frenchman Lacazette. It is being strongly suggested that GIroud will start the match, with Lacazette coming on later.

This is huge. Even for a preseason match. Because think about it – Giroud is wound up, he wants to secure more playing time this year than he had last, and the club has just added a striker who is unanimously taking over the starting job. Meaning that whatever Giroud has stored up inside of him is going to be unleashed on the pitch at ANZ Stadium.

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Which has a couple stellar side affects. For starters, we will be getting the absolute best out of Giroud and, as I point out rather frequently, when he is on, and firing on all cylinders, there are few that I would rather have. Just look at what he did with his limited appearances last year.

But on the flipside of that, Lacazette will be sitting on the side, seeing the intensity and work ethic of Giroud and seeing what he will have to top to maintain the starting role that I’m sure he is expecting.

Meaning that both of our main strikers are going to have the tone set for what is required of them. They are both going to come out of this preseason having left nothing on the pitch because they both want, and feel they deserve, that starting role.

And it all starts with Giroud, assuming he starts the match up front.

Next: 3 Ways Lacazette Outguns Giroud

Expect a show from the Frenchman. Even in the Premier League, few defenses can completely cope with his brutish ways.

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