7. Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
Club goals: 66
Player’s goals: 16
Percentage of club goals scored by player: 24.2%
Olivier Giroud has come under considerable criticism this season for a failure to score in the biggest matches against Arsenal’s rivals, and undoubtedly his finishing could certainly improve.
However, the Gunners’ poor performances in matches against the rest of the top four is a collective effort, and Giroud has certainly proved himself a highly capable player in his time in north London – as 16 Premier League goals and seven assists illustrates.
Giroud provided the assist for both Arsenal’s best two goals this season – Jack Wilshere’s sensational effort against Norwich City, and Tomas Rosicky’s similarly brilliant strike against Sunderland, and his build-up play with his back to goal is instrumental to the team’s play.
What is often overlooked too is how vital the running both off and on the ball from Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil has been to both Giroud’s and Arsenal’s respective games.
Without one or more of those due to consistent injuries, both the Gunners and their French striker suffered.
With Nicklas Bendtner and Yaya Sanogo the only options to replace a jaded Giroud, Arsene Wenger was reluctant to play anyone except his first choice striker – which naturally led to a degree of burnout.
If Arsenal sign a centre forward of similar or better quality, they might just get the best out of Giroud and their own team.
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