Analyzing Giroud: Do we need a new star striker or a backup?

There have been deafening calls by fans calling for Wenger to buy a prolific striker. Wenger almost heeded the call by bringing in Miroslav Klose from Lazio before Arsenal’s approach was rebuffed. The same fans though still love Giroud for his hard work and tenacity and would not want to replace him. So what does Giroud bring to the table?

Giroud never tires and keeps running, trying to help out the team throughout the game conforming with the new team ethic of fighting for each other. His hold up play is brilliant, laying off for the midfielders to come in to the game. That explains why our midfielders have been scoring so many goals. The result is Arsenal becomes unpredictable because anyone can score and it gives the team balance. Whether one midfielder is off form, the rest will make up for it and score the goals to win the game. That is why Wilshere’s early season slump was not a factor as other midfielders stepped up to the plate. Giroud also has very good movement around the box that creates openings for others.

The one thing Giroud possesses is a surprisingly deft touch. Against Crystal Palace, he received the ball from Rosicky and easily held off the defender before laying off for Chamberlain to run through on goal. Those who want to know how hard that is need to look no further than Chamakh giving a through ball that was too strong and ran through for a goal kick. The better highlight of Giroud’s touch is the interplay between him and Wilshere that cumulated in that goal against Norwich.

Giroud will never have the pace to beat his marker like Henry. You will do your best not to laugh when you see him trying to keep up with a counter attack. He will also never be a prolific thirty goal a season striker and his lack of pace can slow down a game but his size more than makes up for this as now big defenders now have their hands full dealing with him.

If we were to get a fast prolific striker, of course we might score more, be faster and agile and as a result more dangerous on the counter. We might also be more predictable and easy to defend against.

We most definitely need a back up striker that can give us something different but also appreciate the qualities Giroud brings to the team.