Arsenal Vs PSG: Lucas Perez Should Start, Not Olivier Giroud
Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. With Arsene Wenger musing the possible return of Olivier Giroud, it should be Lucas Perez who starts instead.
Under Arsene Wenger over the past decade, Arsenal have tried to dominate possession no matter their opponent. Against lesser sides, that has been possible, controlling the game through hogging the ball, suffocating the opposition with waves of relentless attacks. However, such a tactic has failed to bring results against better sides more recently, and Wenger is slowly beginning to change his philosophy.
In one season, the Gunners conceded six goals against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City in losses that saw their defensive frailties exposed to great lengths due to Wenger’s insistence of instilling a possession-based style of play.
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In the past couple of seasons, though, Wenger has altered his tactics, demanding his side sit deep and play on the counter. This has brought success, with wins over both Manchester clubs last season and the double over eventual champions Leicester City. In such games, usual striker Olivier Giroud has tended to sit out, in favour of either Theo Walcott or Danny Welbeck.
On Tuesday, Arsenal will face another top side who will challenge their usual supremacy in possession. Wenger, though, is considering starting Giroud for the first time this season, stating in his pre-match press conference that he is in his thoughts when asked about the starting lineup:
“I have not decided that. The players do not know the team. I have 24 hours. Is he [Olivier Giroud] ready to start? He is close.”
Starting Giroud, though, would be a mistake. While the French international certainly brings an element of physicality that no one else in the squad can match, away from home in the Champions League opener against a very dangerous Paris Saint-Germain side, soaking up pressure and attacking with speed on the counter attack would be a far more effective strategy.
Latest addition Lucas Perez is far more suited to a counter-attacking style. The Spaniard, who has been consistently compared to Jamie Vardy, is electric in attacking positions. He is a willing runner, continually looking to spin in behind and run the channels with an eye for goal.
Giroud is a great player and offers an aerial threat that is often perfect for this Arsenal side. That, though, does not apply on Tuesday, and Wenger would be wise to commit to his latest weapon.
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