Olivier Giroud Shows His Strength Again to Dispatch West Ham

After being left out of Arsenal’s FA Cup tie with Manchester United, Olivier Giroud was plainly determined not to sulk. Handed an immediate reprieve against West Ham, he delivered a man-of-the-match performance as the Gunners ran out 3-0 winners. 

It would be wrong to say Giroud was dropped at Old Trafford. The physical demands on him are huge, and it’s essential that he’s rested from time to time. Danny Welbeck had a special motivation against his former employers, so it made sense to give Giroud a rare break.

However, Welbeck seized his chance, laying down a marker with a landmark goal in a memorable victory. Giroud needed to respond, and did so with the latest in a string of superb displays in 2014/15.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Not only did he score with an outstanding left-footed strike, but he also combined brilliantly with Aaron Ramsey to create Arsenal’s second. His entire performance was a masterclass in centre-forward play. On a day when West Ham were without both James Tomkins and Winston Reid, they simply couldn’t live with the French international forward. 

To bounce back with such a fantastic showing is a testament to his mental fortitude. After the match, Arsene Wenger praised the resolve of a man who has overcome many obstacles already in his career. The Gunners boss told Arsenal.com: 

"

It’s one of his strengths. This is a boy who has played at 22 or 23 in division three. He’s come out and has become an international footballer. You need some mental strength to do that because there’s no red carpet there. You have to work hard to get out there and get to the top - you need some special strength.

"

It’s worth remembering that Giroud has already fought back from a fractured leg this season. Some players can take months to get back to speed after that kind of injury, but Giroud announced his comeback almost immediately with a thumping goal against Manchester United. He was clearly in a hurry to re-establish himself as Arsenal's first-choice centre-forward.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Since returning to fitness he has played like a man on a mission. His scoring ratio this season rivals anyone in the Premier League. According to WhoScored.com, Giroud has now amassed 13 goals in just 19 appearances. 

However, his game is about far more than just goals. Giroud is beginning to develop an eye-catching understanding with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. He has the physical presence and deft touch required to operate as the focal point of Arsenal’s fluid system. In a team where so many of the players want to float from their position, Giroud anchors the attack. 

There has, of course, been one notable exception to his recent run of good form: the home tie with Monaco. That night, everything went wrong for Giroud. He missed a number of presentable chances before being substituted on the hour mark.

Having rediscovered his confidence, Giroud will be eager to put things right at the Stade Louis II. Arsenal face a task of Herculean proportions but in Giroud have a forward with the strength required to tackle the challenge.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.