Arsenal may have banged in five goals against Huddersfield Town but it was the fact that they kept a third consecutive clean sheet that pleased Olivier Giroud the most.
The France international, who came off the bench at the break to bag a brace, was impressed by the way the defence stood firm in the face of concerted pressure from the visitors throughout the game.
“We killed the game off in the final 25 minutes but it’s true we could have scored before, but they were always dangerous on counter attacks,” Giroud told Arsenal.com.
“We had to be very cautious at the back and we defended very well. I thought all the defenders played very well. They didn’t let Huddersfield come out and put good pressure on the strikers. They did a great job.”
Having played second fiddle to compatriot Alex Lacazette for most of the season, Giroud looks a good bet to start against Manchester United on Saturday after his teammate picked up a groin problem.
The 31-year-old is looking forward to the challenge as the Gunners looked to further extend their unbeaten run at the Emirates.
“We are on a good run, we want to carry on and keep it up,” he added. “Obviously we have a massive game this weekend and it’s nice to have the confidence high to start this kind of game.”
It was nice to see Giroud bang a couple in and just remind everyone that he’s still there and can do more than a job for us up top. Personally love Giroud and his willingness to fight for his spot in the team and hope that he gets the nod against Manure
With Alexandre out I would genuinely prefer to see Sanchez or Welbeck up top then Giroud. I think he will be too easy for Uniteds defenders and Mourinho’s game plan. If you start Giroud United will know they can squeeze up the pitch and leave space in behind them because Giroud has no pace. We need pace, and we need to get at United’s back four early on. Girouds best use is off the bench in the big games when we need to change the dynamic of the game when we’re starting to throw things forward if we’re looking for… Read more »
How easy it is to forget that our HFB led the line for so many big games and consistently delivered over the years…
His pace has never been a problem, we have quality, intelligent players who knows how to play to his strengths. There’s no better time for Ollie to start after a 2-goal game. Put a bullet header in and make that Mourinho cunt cry himself to bed
His lack of pace has definitely been a problem.
I think it’s hard to tell which striker will serve this game best from the start. Giroud will be better if Mourinho tries to camp his team in the own half. Welbz will be better harrying the defenders and exploiting space if it’s more open. I think chances are Utd will sit deep and hit on the counter to start. Giroud may be the better option for that.
Defence very solid. Mustafi showing why we don’t lose much when he is in the team, Kos always the boss and Monreal very good on the left. Plus the wing backs are both great.
Keep it up for Saturday please, would love to see Mourinho blubbing at the end.
The folks we depended on were the folks that let us down….
Great job by the defence which has allowed the team to move forward with more purpose and poise.
Big up to Giroud who shows he is a class striker after so many games playing with the youngsters and much less creative players around him. Team player extraordinaire and quite able to find the back of the net if supplied.
Keep up the good defensive team work and we will definitely be a force in the league. COYG!!
Giroud did well but I’d prefer Welbeck starts on Saturday. We need pace and fluidity upfront. I worry about Welbeck’s finishing. Giroud is a better finisher but isn’t mobile enough.
Mustafi has regained his confidence. He’s very Vocal and would probably make a good captain in future. My real worry is Kos…I fear he might get injured with the games coming thick and fast
I worry about Welbeck’s selfishness. Has recently given priority to his own shooting options and passed less and less. Need to square the ball or simply put someone else through sometimes.
Giroud is a better finisher
Welbeck confuses the defense
Yet Giroud scored 2 goals
I feel like I’m the only one that noticed he stole a goal away from Sead.
No you’re not. In the commentary on Arsenal.com it was pointed out. It’s a strikers natural instinct to finish it and I’m sure Kolasinac wasn’t too bothered as long it was a goal
Sead looked happy celebrating the goal so I don’t think he was too bothered, particularly as Giroud made a point of acknowledging his contribution as soon as the ball hit the back of the net.
No guarantee sead would’ve put it away, and he still got an assist + they’re all great guys and giroud needs the goals more, it’s all good!
I think Welbz should start on Saturday and Oli to come off the bench. Danny possesses the physical presence, and would also have the extra incentive of playing against his former employer.
Why? Giroud was on for a good part if the game and was more efficient. Scored 2 goals
People wax lyrical about the AOL partnership and big up Lacazette maybe rightfully so but Giroud played a good part of the game and scored 2 goals.
He starts for France for a reason.
Did not have any issues playing with Lacazette or Ozil or Alexis and clearly no issue with mobility since we didn’t exactly lump it toward his head.
Clearly a very good finisher and getting better with age.
Call me crazy, but could we play them both? Welbeck as wing back and Giroud up top. Kolasinac despite some great moments (including creating a goal) gives the ball away a lot. We already have Sanchez to do that. With Welbeck’s great work rate and lack of finishing it looks like a good position for him.
Play Welbz as a wing back?
Are you Arsene Wenger in disguise?
Welbeck as a wingback?…..well, you asked for it..
i ‘call you crazy’!
there!
Fair enough. Have an up vote.
Amazing how so many were on Mustafis back. They forgot Koscielny first season littered with reds own goals and penalties conceded.
If anything Mustafi is Koscielnys successor.
Even more amazing we were trying to sell him and rely on the still developing Holding.
If memory serves me right Mustafi had some family issues and wanted to move to address those, it wasnt because he didnt want to be at Arsenal. I dont think Arsene wanted to get rid of him either, but he is still human and appreciates that sometimes life gets in the road of football.
Thankfully for everyone concerned it didnt happen and he stayed with the squad and has shown his importance to the club.
With risk of being unpopular… I’m not sure if I see much difference without attack with Lacazette or Giroud. Sure different players but I did not see our attack any less mobile with Giroud who had to play an equal half of the game. In fact we had similar quick touches from Giroud and he scored the second goal to break Huddersfield. I think the difference is Ozil. He is on top form and giving us that extra we have been clearly missing both going forward but also defensively in terms of his output. That small difference in effort on… Read more »