It must be terribly frustrating for a pro footballer to have to sit and watch their team mates from the sidelines and not be able to do anything to help them. And the Arsenal players must feel this sort of frustration a lot more than most, because for some reason we seem to get more injuries and spend longer periods in the treatment room that any other club.
So it is already a tough time for our France international Olivier Giroud, who will not be able to play for us again until some time around the new year. And as if that was not bad enough, the man signed by Arsene Wenger to replace him and compete with the big man has got off to a flying start in his new centre forward role.
After scoring a third international goal in two games for England since he became a Gunner, Danny Welbeck will be full of confidence as he lines up for the three lions again today, and the words of his club and international team mate Jack Wilshere, reported by the Daily Star, will surely help that, but will not be music to the ears of Monsieur Giroud.
Wilshere said, “The main thing for Danny is his confidence.
“I said before we signed him for Arsenal that he could play centre forward and he would score goals.
“He proved that in the Switzerland game and since he’s been at Arsenal he’s been fantastic.
“He didn’t really get that chance for Manchester United to play at the top and be the key man, the goalscorer.
“He’s got that chance at Arsenal and he’s showing everyone what he can do. I wouldn’t say it’s the start of him – but he’s really starting to grow up.
“He’s the key man and he likes that pressure of being the key man. His attitude is fantastic.
“If you look through the leagues, there’s not many centre forwards who give you that work rate and score goals.”
I’m sure that Jack is not intentionally having a go at Giroud, but you could certainly take it that way if you wanted to. At least the French striker has the knowledge that Arsene Wenger is right behind him and appreciates what he does, as proved by the recent reports of a two year contract extension, but it must be clear to Giroud that his position in the Arsenal starting line up is under serious threat from the new boy.
Who do you think will be the main man once Giroud is fit again?