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