Much has been made of Arsene Wenger’s so-called lack of striking options and the need to delve into the transfer market in January, but the Arsenal boss is not a man prone to panicking or bowing to public or media pressure.
With the Gunners currently four points clear at the top of the table and boasting one of the most in-form strikers in the league why should he?
We’ve all been raving about Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero, and rightly so, but a forward who has perhaps not got the credit he deserves is Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud who, in my view, is one of the most complete strikers in the business.
Strong, yet elegant, technically adept with an eye for goal and an aerial ability almost unrivalled in the Premier League, Giroud impresses more and more and is a perfect foil for all the wonderful midfield, creative talent Wenger has at his disposal.
Okay, so there’s not much in the way of central striking talent for Wenger to call on if Giroud falls victim to a loss of confidence or form – or is injured – but for now the French striker is flying the flag...in tricolour.
Few have been more impressed with the contribution Giroud is making to the cause than England midfielder Jack Wilshere who rates his pal as one of the best in the business.
Giroud has provided a perfect response to Arsenal's summer pursuit of Liverpool striker Suarez, and made Wenger think again about possibly buying another striker in the new year.
Even though the likes of 11-goal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and £43million club-record signing Mesut Ozil have grabbed most of the headlines during Arsenal’s impressive start to the season, Giroud has more than played his part.
“He’s been really impressive, especially at the beginning of the season when everyone was saying that Suarez was coming in to take his place," Wilshere said after Giroud’s two-goal salvo against Southampton at the weekend.
“He’s showed great character and, for me, he’s been our best player this season. He holds the ball up and brings others into play. He has got a great physique and a great base of fitness. Hopefully he can continue that form."
Giroud’s brace against Saints took his tally for the season into double figures, and Wenger added: “I like his play. He has improved his link play with the other players, he is dangerous in every single game. Is he the best in his type of play? I like what he does.”
Whilst Ramsey has maintained his own fine start to the campaign, and will no doubt figure once again in our fans’ poll, Giroud might well have stolen a march on his teammate in the race for the November prize.
The choice is yours.
Source: DSG
