Arsenal managed to pull off a last gasp draw with Manchester United yesterday, with the Gunners scoring an equalising goal in the 89th minute. A Olivier Giroud header was enough to peg back the hosts, who had looked far superior throughout the match, against an Arsenal side that just didn’t look on the ball.
If it wasn’t for Arsene Wenger’s tactical substitutions yesterday, especially the decision to haul Jenkinson off for attack minded player Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, then I think the Gunners would’ve struggled to get a point whilst in Manchester. Chamberlain, who was positioned officially at Right-Back, added another attacking presence to Arsenal, after Mourinho’s men had attempted to park the bus. It was Giroud however who had the last laugh, with the Frenchman rising up high from Chambo’s cross to make it 1-1 and the striker should be praised for the attitude he showed in the match.
The jury has often been undecided on Olivier Giroud, so much so that every time the transfer window opens, the majority of fans call for Wenger to sign another striker. However it isn’t until Arsenal witness Giroud’s absence from the team, that the fans come to realise what an important player he is for the side. Giroud has been unable to keep his place as centre-forward so far this season, with Wenger much preferring Alexis Sanchez up front. However with Giroud hitting in the goals after a few substitutions, is it time for the Frenchman to regain his place in the team?
In my opinion Alexis Sanchez has brought a new light to Arsenal, as well as to his own personal career. I think the Chilean is a great forward to have, with fight, strength and passion to get every ball. He also of course knows how to find the back of the net. I think Wenger has made a great decision to test the player up front, but now with Giroud clearly firing the goals in, even when he isn’t starting the matches as the club’s main striker, surely he should get another chance to play up front from the start.
I still don’t think Giroud is a striker who is going to lead the line for a title winning team, he has of course showed he is reliable however at making a positive impact from the bench. But based on players getting picked on form rather than the ‘name’, I think Giroud deserves to have another shot up front as a starting striker for the match against. Giroud has shown great attitude in not sulking but showing the strength to fight for his place in this team. With this in mind, Giroud deserves a start. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Alexis is dropped because of course, the Chilean is more than likely to be pushed back out on the wing, just as he was against United after Giroud’s introduction, although there were signs this week that maybe he could do with a rest.
Is this a change Wenger should be looking to make, or does Alexis remain as the striker in your starting XI?
By AH