Arsenal’s underrated star’s top five moments

Is there a more underrated centre forward in England than Oliver Giroud at the moment? The big Frenchman doesn’t always get the respect he deserves, gooners included, and it seems he is only just beginning to get his recognition. He is of course in the form of his career at the moment so that perhaps justifies his recently heightened status.

Half a century of Arsenal goals he has now to add to his CV, and amongst them some absolutely cracking strikes. He arrived hear a somewhat unknown player (although off the back of a sensational campaign with Montpellier), and has really come on in leaps and bounds since then. We gooners love Olivier, and we are proud of what he has achieved with us.

Most of us always always had faith in him, and saw the potential in him when others didn’t. Have a look at Olivier’s top five moments for Arsenal. And by moments, we mean goals of course!

vs Man United

Terrible from Arsenal, but fantastic from Giroud, as a sumptuous first time half volley left David De Gea absolutely stranded. It was great moment for Olivier who had only just returned from a lengthy layoff, and what a way to announce your return. Olivier ran on to a long diagonal from Arteta, allowing the ball to drop over his shoulder. Steadying himself, he lashed his left foot cleanly in the center of the ball, sending it into the top left corner and giving De Gea no chance. It is at the 1:53 mark of the video below.

vs Man City

Magnificent from Giroud and a stunning end to a good win for Arsenal. The gunners claimed the Community Shield in some fashion, thrashing Man City 3-0 in the English football’s curtain raiser. After goals from Cazorla and Ramsey in the first half saw Arsenal cruising, Giroud sealed the deal with his strike from all of 25 yards out, producing a beautiful looping thunderbolt that beat Joe Hart all ends up.

vs West Ham

Olivier is a lot more skillful than he gets credit for you know. Last season’s goal against West Ham exemplifies silky skill, a feathered touch, balance, and clinical finish. Outrageous bit of skill to take the ball out of the air that way, absolutely kills it dead, and proceeds to have his way with it, sweeping it beyond Adrian. Good concentration and strength to hold off Reid as well.

vs Brighton

Another cracking strike from some way out and it is a wonder as to why he doesn’t attempt this more often. The goal came in last year’s F.A Cup clash with Brighton (which ironically ended the same way as this year’s) with Giroud at the forefront of Arsenal’s attack that. He actually scored two on the day, the other being a cheeky back heel, but this one is worthy of the list for it’s power and overall difficulty to pull off.

vs Newcastle

Such aerial prowess and physical dominance Olivier has. He opened the scoring against Newcastle earlier this season, rising high to meet Alexis’ cross and nod beyond the keeper. Coloccini is no small man, but Olivier bullied him on the day, as evident in this goal. Great leap, thumping header, sensational goal.