4= Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
Games played: 25
Goals: 12
Assists: 7
Goals + assists: 19
Olivier Giroud has come under a great deal of criticism in the last few months.
The France striker endured a seven match goal drought throughout the busy Christmas period, as well as poor form in the new year resulting in him apologising online for one particularly bad match.
However, after missing the last two matches against Liverpool and Bayern Munich, Giroud returned to play a wonderful individual game for Arsenal against Sunderland, scoring twice and assisting Tomas Rosicky’s goal to earn man of the match honours.
Perhaps after playing more minutes this season than any other striker at one of the title contenders this season, all Giroud required was a rest.
The 27 year-old’s brilliant build up play means he is the perfect focal point for the Gunners’ midfield runners, and his assists for strikes like Rosicky’s against the Black Cats and Jack Wilshere’s incredible score against Norwich City.
Giroud’s finishing needs work, and he can be profligate even when presented with clear cut chances, but having directly involved in 19 goals in 25 Premier League matches, it is hard to argue with his return.
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