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Has Olivier Giroud got any killer instinct?

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GiroudI’m writing this article fairly shortly after having watched Arsenal in action against Monaco, which is the perfect time for snap judgments and indignant protestations, I’m sure you’ll agree.

First things first, every Arsenal player was pretty pants during that particular game. For all the attacking talent on the pitch, nobody was able to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Forwards miss-timed their runs, defenders were sloppy in possession and midfielders didn’t provide the dynamism necessary to get a foothold in the game.

There were, however, three players who stood out from the crowd in terms of pure unadulterated awfulness. Their names are Mesut Ozil (who was ineffectual and completely uninterested – this is the Champions League knock-out round, c’mon son!), Per Mertesacker (who was entirely lacking in composure) and Olivier Giroud. Let’s focus on that last guy.

Giroud spoke recently about how he needs to demonstrate more killer instinct. Here’s what he had to say: ‘They want me to have a ‘killer’ attitude, almost insensitive. Diego Costa shows no emotion. I am more emotional. I have therefore learned to control my emotions. I try to be less demonstrative.’

That killer edge was seriously lacking against Monaco, where he spurned two or three guilt edge opportunities. Arsene Wenger was clearly frustrated by his performance, opting to sub him off in the 60th minute.

The Frenchman also spoke out about his future and whether he’s always going to be Arsenal’s leading man: ‘When you talk about a guy to play in your place, you feel offended because it is your place. I here them saying: “They have Giroud and Welbeck but they need a world-class attacker.” It is like saying, we are not world-class attackers. Does it upset me? No, but it stings. Recently there was a buzz around Jackson Martinez. The coach said nice things about him, the player said he would like to come.’ (Source: The Metro)

That’s the same Jackson Martinez who has scored 86 goals in 122 appearances for FC Porto (26 in 31 this season). I’d argue that FC Porto’s midfielders aren’t as good as Arsenal’s either (so the service into him isn’t as good as the service Giroud is getting). Martinez is a man with killer instinct. Giroud isn’t.

If Arsenal want to win silverware in the coming seasons (and maybe, I don’t know, sneak into the quarter finals of the Champions League next year), they’d do well to mull this over.

What’s your take? Is Olivier Giroud the right man for The Gunners? Can they do better?
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  • IceDre218 says:

    All Competitions this season.
    Costa 30 games (3 as a sub) 17 goals
    Giroud 20 games (5 as a sub) 12 goals.

    Not much in it considering Giroud was out with a broken foot.

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