It's been a tough few months for Giroud. Since he started his Arsenal career among much fanfare and expectation, he has hardly set the world alight with his first few performances.
Tasked with picking up the mantle after Van Persie's exit, the Frenchman has clearly felt the weight on the world on his shoulders, as his form has dropped to a standard nowhere near the level he has set himself.
A nervous start against Sunderland set the tone. A late burst as a substitute and he could have won Arsenal the game, but he fluffed his chance. More high profile misses have followed against Stoke, Liverpool, and most recently Chelsea. Even when he did grab his first goal for the club against a poor League one side in Coventry, he missed a few opportunities, and a penalty. It was almost like one step forward two steps back, in terms of the 26 year old's confidence. His form hasn't just been poor for Arsenal though, a poor performance for Les Bleus last month led to Olivier being booed off the field in front of the home fans.
You could argue that he hasn't ha many clear-cut chances, but such was the standard of finishing he has set in recent yeas, he would definitely have expected to have put away those chances. After-all this is a man whose 25 goals and 9 assists fired Montpellier to the title last year, and he even challenged Benzema for a place in the French line up this summer.
But it hasn't been completely doom and gloom for the £12 million man. His flick on for Ramsey on Wednesday was his 3rd assist for the club this season, making him the highest goal creator at the club. He also gave a glimpse of his finishing talents with a cute, deft finish against Coventry.
But what has been most impressive is his movement. Despite Gervinho impressing in his cameo roles up front for the Gunners, when Giroud comes on, there is a stark difference. A presence in the box. A proper striker. His movement has helped him create multiple chances for Arsenal teammates, and he really does seek to have an eye for goal, in the way that Chamakh never really did.
The Moroccan tended to play with his back to goal, whilst Giroud definitely know where the goal is. Look at the goal scoring records respectively. Marouane has never scored more than 16 goals a season in all competitions, whilst Giroud has been top scorer in France.
What is key is that he has yet to get a proper run in the side. If he can get some games under his belt than he will have the chance to be a top Arsenal striker. He has scored goals before, and will do again. I would play him against West Ham for his height and ability in the air.
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