Olivier Giroud: Biggest Hero in World Football for March
An international break could not have materialised at a worse interval for Arsenal. Failure in the Champions League round of 16 notwithstanding—probably soothed by no English club boasting different—the north Londoners have been playing delightful football of late.
Since losing 2-0 to Southampton on New Year's Day, Arsenal's record—in all competitions—consists of 14 wins and just two defeats (14W-0D-2L).
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Interestingly, the Gunners form has not been contingent on that of Alexis Sanchez.
Since 1 January the Chilean star has scored four goals and assisted thrice in 15 matches. Though iridescent numbers for the pedestrian, considering the 14 goals and seven assists manufactured in his first 25 matches, Sanchez’s stats appear rather humbled.
This relative lull is understandable; carrying his team-mates like wounded soldiers in the early portions of the 2014/15 campaign, the former Barcelona man—purchased last summer for £30 million—is entitled a mid-to-late-season decline.
Given early trajectory, it would make logical sense how Sanchez goes so do Arsenal Football Club, but as his rampant pace has slowed since the new year, how does one explain the Gunners' recent upturn?
While playing lower-league opposition and shrewd tactics vs. Manchester City are factors, the form of Olivier Giroud is the principal factor in Arsenal's brilliant run.
The French centre-forward has simply picked up where the Chile international left off. Five goals, with three assists, in January and February have been eclipsed in March. Seven goals for club and country—from eight appearances—see Giroud as this month's clear "hero."
Purchased in July 2012 for £13 million, since three summers ago, the Frenchman has played 124 matches, scoring 56 goals. Considering price and subsequent production, Giroud has been a success, but no more than in this season; absent from 20 games through injury and/or suspension, he has netted 17 times.
Neither particularly quick nor agile, Giroud has existed largely on exemplary 18-yard-box prowess—possessing footballing genius for comprehending situations, running to the appropriate post and elegant finishing.
Arsene Wenger, though, might have preferred the former Montpellier man to find this gear next month. Arsenal play Liverpool and Chelsea in the Premier League, with a game vs. Reading in the FA Cup semi-final in between—but, all things considered, retaining form is normally easier than capturing it.
April and May are football's equivalent to the last 100 metres in a long-distance race.
At the start of campaigns clubs are crowded together, one or two might take an early lead (i.e. rabbits), but before the season's conclusion every squad needs a kick—a final burst to climb the standings and/or acquire silverware.
Whether Giroud's form can serve as Arsenal's late-term kick is yet to be determined.
Coupled with the likes of Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey, the French striker is not competing for EPL glory and retaining the FA Cup by himself—trophies, however, are near impossible to commandeer without firing centre-forwards.
Again, minus their Champions League struggle with AS Monaco, March translated into a wonderful 31 days for Arsenal domestically; March is not the end, though, it is the beginning of the end.
Giroud took to destroying the Premier League this month and showed no signs of slowing before proceedings were interrupted by international duty; with clubs desperately seeking points as matches dwindle, the Frenchman's current contribution must not dissipate—Arsenal's lofty aspirations require continued performances.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.
