Arsenal will be aiming to bounce back from an atrocious performance in midweek against Monaco in the Champions League, as they host the Toffees at the Emirates Stadium. Whilst many of the players will have a point to prove, one in particular has an important game ahead.
Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud has been under a lot of scrutiny since his move from Montpellier in 2012. However, the 28-year-old has come a long way this season and his performances in recent weeks have been superb, which included netting his fiftieth goal for the Gunners last weekend.
However, in the midweek horror show against Monaco the French striker was, in short, abysmal. Giroud was guilty of missing a number of chances, including some that have considered easy- especially for the striker that was in form.
In the end, Giroud was hauled off and replaced by Theo Walcott, whilst the criticism on Twitter was huge. He now faces an issue, as the fans will be on his back quickly this weekend if he doesn’t show signs of improvement in the early stages of the game the concerns will begin to rise.
Whether Giroud will remain in the starting line-up remains to be seen, as one of Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck or Alexis Sanchez may take his place up front. Either way though, Giroud will be introduced at some stage in the game and it could be a real turning point in his career.
Should he find the form in his recent games, it will show that the performance against Monaco was just a blip. However, if he struggles yet again then we may see another more established world-class striker purchased at the end of the season.
In some ways, Giroud could now be playing for his long-term future at the club. If he continues his league form then there is every chance he will be the focal point of the attack, which he is great at. However, poor form will see Arsenal search the market for a new man.
I have confidence in Giroud to find his feet again though and redeem himself from a midweek mishap.