Arsenal: Olivier Giroud's Chances Are Precious Commodities
Arsenal and Olivier Giroud seemed to be partners for life, but with Alexis Sanchez pipping the starting striker role, suddenly Oli G’s chances are rare.
We knew that Olivier Giroud’s time at Arsenal was not going to last forever, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t shocking to see him sitting on the bench, awaiting midweek match ups.
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With Alexis Sanchez taking the starting striker role in the absence of the big Frenchman, and with the powerful affect it has had, a change to this tactical twist-up is not in the immediate future. This simply means that every chance Olivier Giroud has is a precious commodity that he must take.
FC Basel is going to be a massive opportunity for the big Frenchman, who has played only 78 minutes thus far into the year. There is no down-playing how crucial it is that he plays the full 90 and makes a big impact to prove that he is not obsolete, and that Arsenal can still find success with him at the front. We don’t exactly know how many more chances he is going to get because it’s clear that Wenger isn’t giving him the Walcott treatment.
This opportunity takes on an added impetus when considering that Lucas is going to be right there, having already staked his claim as a striker against Forest. He is two goals to the positive while Giroud has yet to open his account.
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Again though, we have to highlight the true lack of opportunities that the big Frenchman has had.
Basel is a team that can be bossed by Giroud, and for his sake, he better put on his bossing boots. Between Marek Suchy and Eder Balanta, the Swiss powerhouse does not possess the strength and/or height to cope with a massive Olivier Giroud, assuming he can muster the confidence to make an impact.
We have seen Giroud create massive space against a near impenetrable Monaco defense (the second leg, mind you). There really isn’t any defense out there that can confidently say ‘yes, we can handle Giroud completely’. He is too experienced in the toughest league in the world, too big and, if properly motivated, too powerful.
There is still plenty invested in Giroud’s style and what he brings to the team, but he needs to remind us that he is still up for the part. All we have seen this season is the high-powered, speedy attack that Alexis spearheads. A nice, powerful display against Basel will put Giroud a step in the good, which he desperately needs at this juncture.
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