Olivier Giroud – 8/10
Olivier Giroud enables Arsenal to play in so many different ways.
The Gunners forward is one of the best target men in world football, and can win aerial duels, control high passes lofted his way, shield the ball with his body and hold it up while his team-mates catch up or run beyond him.
The Frenchman also – and we may shoot ourselves for this cliche – has the proverbial good touch for a big man, and some of his flicks and passes are tremendous.
Despite taking his goal very well (after a somewhat fortuitous first touch), Giroud is not as natural a finisher as many forwards in world football.
Still, his work rate, endeavour and both technical and physical attributes make him the perfect man to lead the line for Arsenal.
Substitutes:
Tomas Rosicky – 6/10
Tomas Rosicky supplied his usual energy for the brief time he was on the pitch, but was forced to come off after a stray elbow from Gabriel Agbonlahor struck him in the nose.
Kieran Gibbs – 7/10
Kieran Gibbs replaced Nacho Monreal after the Spaniard injured his foot in a heavy challenge, and helped both shore things up and push the Gunners back up the pitch.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10
Not on for long enough to make a huge impact, but was able to get a few vital minutes on the pitch.
Interestingly, Lukas Podolski was visibly unhappy at not being called upon in the Englishman’s stead.
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