Olivier Giroud’s under the spotlight
Thursday, 13th September 2012
Published: 13 September, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT
THE spotlight will undoubtedly be on summer signing Olivier Giroud this week as he looks to score his first goal in Arsenal colours.
The striker might not want to be compared with former Gunner greats, but he would love to join a list that includes the likes of Ian Wright, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp by grabbing his first league goal for the club against Southampton on Saturday.
It would be the perfect time for the 25-year-old to open his account, especially with Arsenal travelling to France on Tuesday to face his former club Montpellier in the Champions League.
Giroud’s confidence, however, might be fading fast after he was substituted and booed off the pitch by his own fans on Tuesday during France’s 3-1 win over Belarus.
Arsene Wenger’s £12million purchase was left to bemoan a dream opportunity that ended on a sour note.
“I welcomed my position in the starting XI with a lot of enthusiasm and happiness,” Giroud said.
“Being in the French team starting XI is always a privilege. However, I was a little disappointed to be substituted.
“When you are a forward you need time and try to not listen to the fans, above all at Stade de France, where the audience is always a little special.”
It’s another blow for Giroud, who has called for patience from the Arsenal fans after failing to score in the opening three games.
“I’ve been freezing up a bit just when I’ve been about to pull the trigger,” admitted the forward.
“I’m not too worried about it because I’ve been scoring in training and I feel pretty comfortable being a part of this team.
“I just need to not think about things too much, so that I feel as relaxed as possible when the time comes to stick the ball in the net.”
Meanwhile Wenger has played down concerns surrounding Abou Diaby after the midfielder picked up a hip injury during France’s game against Finland. “He has slight pain on the hip, on the sartorius muscle,” Wenger said.
“It doesn’t seem serious at all to me. He even has a small chance to play against Southampton on Saturday.”
