Since joining Arsenal, ex-Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud hasn’t had a good time of things. He’s been berated by fans and players alike for his lack of pace and he’s missed two good chances in the space of three games. Until he opens his Arsenal account, he’s going to struggle to win over the fans. Other new Arsenal additions, Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski have both opened their accounts.
The French fans don’t seem to like him much better. Indeed, the 25-year-old was booed off the pitch when he was substituted in the 61st minute of France’s 3-1 victory over Belarus. As you’d expect at the moment, Giroud failed to find the back of the net.
The jeers are cruel and unnecessary, but they are a sign that fans are beginning to lose patience with the Frenchman. How long until Arsenal fans (who haven’t been afraid to boo their own players over the last couple of years) try the same tact?
Of course, we all need to remember that Giroud is in a new country, a new league and has new expectations placed upon his shoulder. Indeed, they’re significantly heavier than he’s ever had to deal with. At Montpellier, he was their main man and led the way in terms of scoring goals. At Arsenal, he’s come in to do a rather workman like job and try to replace the world’s best out-and-out striker.
We have seen the stuff that Giroud’s good at. Whilst he’s not the most sprightly mover, he does take up intelligent places on the pitch and he does work hard to win the ball. You get the feeling that he won’t struggle to impose himself on Premier League defenders in the manner that the likes of Marouane Chamakh and Carlos Vela have done in the past.
Best of all, unlike many others in this Arsenal side, he’s not afraid to take a crack. Whilst Chamakh always seems to receive the ball with his back to goal, Giroud has been getting on the end of some guilt-edge chances. The odds are, once he opens his account, gathers some confidence and gels with this Arsenal side, the goals will start flowing in.
Basically, it’s much too early to rule out Giroud. Perhaps his critical reappraisal will start today, with the Gunners game against Southampton. If it doesn’t, however, then let’s not overreact, eh?
What’s your take? Will Giroud ‘come good’?
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totally agree with this. It’s worth remembering it took Thierry Henry 8 games to score his first goal for Arsenal. He has only played three league games and I’m sure he’ll come good, as is mentioned, just needs to open his account and he’ll be fine.
I agree 4 that coz it is very hard for some one who is new to the country+new game .fans should give him time to settl himself to the new game. Gooner for life.
The mans only had 3 games even the very best players need time to settle, I’m sure he will Come good for us !