I am not sure that the Arsenal and France international striker Olivier Giroud will be thanking his fellow countryman too much for his comments after the win at Sunderland, even though the combative midfield star was full of praise for Giroud for his attitude as well as his ability.
The forward really came back with a bang after his frustrating spell on the sidelines and Coquelin was quick to point out that Giroud has always proven his many doubters wrong since coming to the club and the English Premier League a few years ago, but in a way these comments could be taken as a proof that perhaps the big man is the perfect player to have on the bench as he will want to come on and prove himself once again.
Coquelin told Arsenal Player, “Oli is a strong character – every time people from outside doubt him, he always responds in a good way.
“I am really pleased for him. He has been working really hard to get back to full fitness and it was a massive goal today to get it back to 2-1, at a very important time.
“It is a really strong addition to the squad [to have him back] and hopefully there are many more goals to come from him.”
Arsene Wenger also praised Giroud and admitted to Sky Sports that it was pretty much a no brainer to bring the powerful ce4ntre forward on when Arsenal were pegged back by the Black Cats and needed a goal, saying that any manager worth their salt would have brought him on. What he did not say, however, was that Giroud would be a certain starter again now that he is fit.
The way that Giroud responded to the lack of game time and losing his place to Alexis Sanchez was fantastic, but does it suggest that the bench is the best place for him and that an Arsenal super sub is his best role?
Bob.