Arsenal: Olivier Giroud Illustrates Growing Importance in Win over Norwich

Much of the credit for Arsenal's 3-1 home victory over Norwich City on Saturday went to manager Arsene Wenger's second-half substitutes. The introductions of Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain brought speed to the Gunners' sputtering attack and eventually proved decision.

But the starting lineup produced a couple of standout performers as well, notably center-forward Olivier Giroud and midfielder Aaron Ramsey. Ramsey's improving contributions have been covered nicely at EPL Index; here we'll discuss Giroud and his increasing importance to Arsenal.

Signed from Montpellier for £12 million last summer (per BBC Sport), Giroud, 26, started his Arsenal career slowly. The Frenchman's first goal came in his 10th match, at West Ham in the Premier League on Oct. 6.

After settling him, Giroud's production has increased. In 31 league matches (22 starts), he has scored 11 goals with three assists. In all competitions, he has scored 17 goals and registered 13 assists.

Those aren't bad numbers, especially for Giroud's first season in England. But considering the talents and production of his predecessor, the departed Robin van Persie, some might still view Giroud as something of a disappointment.

That appraisal would be incorrect.

Giroud's contribution covers more than goals and assists. A big, strong forward in the mold of an old-fashioned English target man, Giroud wins 3.9 aerial duels per match, according to WhoScored.com.

On Saturday, Giroud received 37 passes, won four of his five duels—a number that crucially included two duels in the Norwich box—and created four chances (via FourFourTwo Stats Zone; see graphics below).

He was also instrumental in the comeback. Giroud won the controversial penalty that led to Arsenal's 85th-minute equalizer, and scored a goal, the winner, in the 88th by being in the right place at the right time to tuck home Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross.

Not all of Giroud's contributions were recognized on the scoresheet. Just before the comeback, his chested trap set up Podolski, whose screaming shot was tipped onto the bar.

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(Stats and graphics via FourFourTwo Stats Zone app)

Giroud's all-around contribution Saturday illustrated his growing importance to the team.

"When he gets into the fighting mode, it is difficult to handle him," Wenger said after an FA Cup win over Brighton in January (via ESPN.co.uk). "This guy is tall, strong and quicker than people think he is. He has good finishing as well."

As for that last part, Giroud shoots with 50 percent accuracy according to Squawka.com. He has placed exactly 42 shots on target and 42 off target in his 31 league appearances (see graphic below).

(Stats a graphic via Squawka.com.)

Wenger added: "(Giroud) could have played in England 20 years ago, 10 years ago and today. He has all you need to play as a centre-forward. He has a physical presence. Giroud gives us something different."

Compared to Van Persie, Giroud does indeed give Arsenal something different. The players are so different—their main similarity is that they played the same position at different times for the same club—that it's not entirely fair to compare them. But comparison is only natural for football fans.

After the loss of a player as important as RvP, Arsenal were always going to need time to adjust. The same can be said for Giroud, whose Arsenal career started slowly. As the season reaches its climax, though, both Arsenal and Giroud are finding momentum.

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