All summer long Arsenal fans were berating Arsene Wenger for not investing that so-called “war chest” in a new 50million striker, but the Frenchman kept insisting that Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott were more than enough to get the Gunners challenging for the title.
Now it seems, in hindsight, that Wenger was absolutely right, and we have both of them popping up with the goals in just about every game now. And it seems that the competition is making both strikers try just that little bit harder to try and earn themselves the starting spot.
Before the Everton game, Wenger admitted that he had a tough decision to make, but had confidence in both of them. He said: “Once you have two players you have to be happy and make the right decision. It’s always hard. It’s not only hard for Giroud and Walcott, but for every single player who you leave out.
“It’s a difficult decision but it’s part of our job as well. We are in a job where competition exists and we have to accept that.
“They are top players, I consider the form, the game on the day but at the end of the season both will have played their share of games.
“At the moment it is Theo but in a few weeks it might be Giroud. What is important is that both contribute.”
They certainly are, and although Wenger said Walcott was first choice, he actually picked Giroud to start against the Toffees, and sure enough, he scored the first goal to calm our fears. It does seem to be beneficial for both of them to be rested occasionally and they both give a different dimension to our play.
Olivier seemed happy to be sharing the spot and said after the game: “The main thing is that the team is doing well. That’s the best thing for me. As long as we are winning, I am pleased with that and I try to bring something else to the team. We have a different profile with Theo, and a good understanding with each of us up front, so it is okay. Before, Theo was in good form and now it is me, so we need to both contribute to the big matches.”
I’m not so sure that Olivier is in better form than Theo, but they both have their uses. It looks to me that Wenger has worked out how best to utilize them both to our advantage, so we should just let him carry on doing what he’s doing. It is definitely working!
Onwards and Upwards!