Why The Return of Giroud Gives the Arsenal Attack a New Dimension! by KJ
As Arsenal get set to welcome Manchester United to the Emirates on Saturday, perhaps the biggest news coming from the Gunners’ camp is that French striker Olivier Giroud has recovered from a fractured leg way ahead of schedule and as Arsene Wenger confirmed earlier, the Frenchman will be available for selection against the Red Devils. While Giroud’s availability for the big clash is certainly welcome news, it also gives this Arsenal squad a much-needed boost on the long run.
Firstly, I would like to point out that Danny Welbeck will finally be able to take a breather, the Englishman has played literally every single Premier League and Champions League game since his deadline day arrival from Old Trafford. Also, the availability of Giroud gives Arsenal a new approach in attack, his aerial prowess has certainly been missed during his spell on the sidelines. All of a sudden, a hopeful ball into the box doesn’t seem like such a bad idea for the Arsenal midfielders!
However, the biggest positive that we can take from the Frenchman’s return to the team will be the variation that can be made in the Gunners’ attack. Anyone who has followed Danny Welbeck’s Manchester United career will be aware of the fact that Danny is lethal playing down the left-hand side and can also provide more work-rate in that area of the pitch, while Olivier can effectively hold the ball up upfront. Also, with Welbeck and Giroud both on the pitch, the Arsenal side certainly seems to have more goals in it’s locker.
While the long-term solution to make the Arsenal attack more potent is most certainly to sign a proven hitman who comes with a guarantee of goals, the Arsenal fans can take temporary relief from the fact that the Gunners’ frontline now has more variation and depth to it. With Manchester United set to visit the Emirates on Saturday, let’s hope the return of Olivier Giroud will have an immediate effect on the side.