Arsenal ended their two-match losing streak in the Premier League after overcoming a spirited West Bromwich Albion side 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing day.
West Brom’s well-rehearsed strategy stagnated the North London club in the first half as they failed to create any meaningful openings despite dominating position to a large extent. The match opened up slightly after the break, but the Baggies stood their ground until Giroud struck with a late header.
The French striker has found it difficult to break into the starting line-up since the beginning of the season due to his extended run at the Euro’s in the summer along with some injuries. The excellent form of teammate Alexis Sanchez down the middle, also played it’s part.
However after loosing back-to-back Premier League games, Wenger was forced to change his personnel up front starting Giroud and moving in-form Sanchez to the wings.
The Frenchman proved to be the difference today, scoring the crucial goal clinching all three points for the Gunners and saving Wenger and the fans from Christmas Blues. There were good chances which he didn’t take initially, but he did take the all important one.
Giroud deserves all the credit, especially considering his rough patch of form coming into this match.
Here are some of the reactions on Twitter:
Yes, it is
His scoring rate and chance conversion is one of the best in the league this season #Giroud
— IGBOJIAKU (@dannwaneri) December 26, 2016
Well Said
Only 1 man could have got the ball past Ben foster. That's #Giroud for you. #GoGunners #BackToWinning #BackOnTrack #InArseneWeTrust
— Alison Fernandes (@Alison_Ferns) December 26, 2016
How did he even manage to put that past the keeper?
#Giroud 's Header 💣💣 https://t.co/dPAIlykTgj
— Feras | فراس 🌐 (@TrueFeras) December 26, 2016
LOL
I really do love that beautiful man 😍 #AFC #Giroud
— Alexandra Collisson (@alexcollisson) December 26, 2016
Never say die attitude
When You need a chance ..You need a Thierry Henry ! and When You have a Giroud.. you have a chance ! #Nanana #Giroud
— Nihilistic Gooner (@Wilsharma) December 26, 2016
#giroud shows his worth again, #wenger has made big mistake in not starting him sooner.
— Bharat Allahan (@BAllahan) December 26, 2016
Same feeling here
Arsenal fans mood about Giroud : Love him, Hate him, Love him, Hate Him, Love Him… ♾ #AFC #Giroud
— Clément (@KeyliesGunner) December 26, 2016
He is doing it more often this season
The man most Arsenal fans want out always saves Arsenal #Giroud
— ❦ ❀ ʎpuıƆ ❀ ❦ (@Cindyxo27) December 26, 2016
Still don't think we play to #Giroud strengths – not sure a #Wenger team ever would… #AFCvWBA
— Jon Spurling (@JonSpurling1) December 26, 2016
He truly deserves it
https://twitter.com/StarmanAFC/status/813547958381768704
https://twitter.com/PaoloMunaSawa/status/813539856261509120
Blimey, 14 goals in his last 16 games for club and country. #Giroud
— Hörse (@petercwelch22) December 26, 2016