Anfield was big for the 6.5″ striker, even though the 3-3 draw was disappointing.
That performance surprised his critics.
With Alexis Sanchez out, with Ozil peripheral in a helter-skelter game, the Frenchman stood tall, scored twice. He produced one of of his best games.
If Giroud does the same at Stoke today, Arsenal can become the fifth team to win there in the league this season
As we’ve seen recently, Stoke have good finishers too: Arnautovic, Shaqiri, Bojan.
Their team news suggests that Shaqiri and Arnautovic are doubtful with hamstring injuries.
Olivier Giroud is on a roll with 9 goals in 9 games. While Sanchez has been out, he’s had to make the runs, take the knocks and supply the goals.
He’d love to stick a couple past big Jack Butland today. But he knows that Butland is a far better keeper than Mignolet.
The kick off is 4.15pm, so at 3.15 we’ll know if Alexis Sanchez is starting the match.
The Chilean has been out for six weeks with a hamstring injury. Has Wenger been fine-tuning his comeback for precisely this game? Probably.
Arsenal really need his desire & sparky electric skills to lift them back to the top of the table – and to help them to stay there.
A lot still depends on the squirrel.
The team’s done well in his absence but the pressure will be on in February and March.
Alexis Sanchez is a fireball who never bottles a big game.