Olivier Giroud looks set for a run of regular first-team action, which will see Alexis Sanchez return to the wing for Arsenal.
The French striker has spent the majority of this season on the Gunners bench, with Alexis Sanchez having impressed in the role from the start of the campaign, whilst Giroud was yet to return from international duty.
Olivier has since had to look on from the bench while his role was filled by his team-mate, but with Theo Walcott having been ruled out with injury, the system which accommodated Alexis so well is no longer on the cards.
Arsene Wenger has now moved to talk up the importance of Giroud for his side, insisting he remains a big player for Arsenal.
He said: “For me he always has a big role, even when he didn’t start he had a big impact. It is down to me to use the players well.”
The big Frenchman has already chipped in with some key goals this term, finding the equalising goal against Manchester United, as well as breaking the deadlock in wins over West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland.
Giroud has shown immense professionalism whilst being overlooked for the starting line-up, showing he is ready when called upon with those crucial appearances from the bench, and when the man is in form, he is hard to overlook.
I know many Gunners fans are very critical of him, but I remain a big fan and still defend him to this day, so I for one am happy he is back in the side.
Does Giroud deserve a run in the first-team? Can Arsenal play with Sanchez as a centre-forward despite Walcott being unavailable?
Pat J
If Giroud does start, then I hope the players ignore Wenger’s instructions for tiki-taka, and play to Giroud’s strengths right from the whistle. Giroud is immense in the air, so let’s not wait until the last ten minutes when we’re desperate for a goal.
I would play Ox on the right, Lucas on the Left and Alexis up front. Alexis has scored 12 goals so far up front. Giroud is an excellent SuperSub. I also want Alexis to stay among the leading scorers in the League and I don’t see that with him on the wings.
If Wenger insists on playing Giroud up front then play Alexis on the Left.
If Giroud starts up front, I hope he is successful, but he went to 12 matches without scoring last season so I am very cautious with this
Giroud slows our entire game down too much. He is most effective as a plan B when defenders are tired with 20 minutes remaining. What has Alexis done to be removed from the central forward spot? Both Perez and Ox can play on the left or right.
not a good idea, Start Lucas and Iwobi on the wings, Alexis in false9.
bring Giroud in the 2nd half for Alexis (if we leading comfortably)
for Iwobi(if we pushing for a winner)
I like the look of Giroud for this game. There isn’t going to be much space to run into unless we can get an early goal. Using Giroud as a springboard can work with these games, and we have the option of sending a high ball. It was true when they said, Giroud is the only Arsenal player who could have scored that last goal. Ozil has sent those type of crosses into him on a number of occasions, he’ll get another try at it on Sunday. Then it can get confusing for teached back-lines to one minute face the stick of dynomite Alexis, then all of a sudden facing one-two’s, not long after a physical fight with the big man. It’s good we have these options.
If Giroud must play for whatever reasons, I want to see Sanchez behind him as a playmaker. Perez and Chamberlain can be wingers.
Try to bench Ozil and put Sanchez there with Giroud in front of him, for one game only, and see what is the result. If this doesn’t work, we can put Ozil back. I think Sanchez has better vision and is a good playmaker if he plays in the central attacking midfielder/ forward position.