Arsenal 1 – 0 WBA: Match Report

Arsenal 1 – 0 WBA: Match Report

Olivier Giroud showed once more how important he is for Arsenal. While Sanchez shined, he didn’t manage to score in a game that registered an 80% possession for the Gunners. The French striker is exactly what Wenger needs during games like these when things are not working. Giroud offers a different option and he is the kind of striker you simply cannot find that easily.
Olivier Giroud

Just for this win that keeps Arsenal in the title race, Giroud deserves to stay at the Emirates for 2-3 more years. Here is what Wenger said about his fellow compatriot as reported by the BBC:


“It has been an interesting period for the player and it is important to see how he copes. It was a good reaction from him.”

We can forget about any other attacking target as Sanchez, Giroud and Perez plus Welbeck when he returns are more than enough to carry the Gunners towards the title. Wenger may need to defensive depth though as the defense lacks strong back-up options for the Frenchman to use during important games.

This was Arsenal’s last performance of the year as the Gunners welcome Crystal Palace on the 1st of January 2016. Even if they  grab a win, it will depend on what the leaders in West London do to see if the Gunners can gain any ground in the table. The good news is that Arsenal hammered Chelsea 3-0 in their first meeting which was a very one-sided affair.  Hopefully, with almost all important players returning from injury and becoming fit at the beginning of 2017, things will get back on track. Arsenal have their chance to gain ground on Chelsea on the 4th of February when they face Antonio Conte’s side and if everything goes smoothly until then, the Gunners could close the gap and rejoin the title race.