Olivier Giroud believes that Arsenal can go on to challenge for the title, after a year which saw a string of new signings find their rhythm, as they just about clinched UEFA Champions League qualification.
The striker who was signed by Wenger from French outfit Montpellier, was part of a revamp process, after the club had to regroup following the departure of former captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United. Others who joined Giroud included German international Lukas Podolski, Spanish wizard Santi Cazorla, and wing back Nacho Monreal, who made a January entry into the Gunners side.
These players took their time to settle together, and produced some spectacular performances, along with some low points. The supporters at the Emirates Stadium were in for a treat, when Newcastle United visited in December, as Wenger’s new team thrashed the Magpies 7-3, with a hat-trick from Theo Walcott.
However, the Gunners did not do well in the cup competitions this season. Wenger saw his side make a fifth round exit from the FA Cup, as Championship side Blackburn Rovers beat them 0-1 at the Emirates. The League Cup performance was much the same, with Arsenal losing to Bradford in the Quarter-finals on penalties. These cup disappointments have proved that the side do not have the cutting edge yet to perform in high pressure situations.
On a positive note, these players have now been playing together for a year and as against a one-man army with van Persie, the side function as a unit, bringing the squad together. It is fair to say that the upcoming pre-season for Arsenal could define their season, because if they can perform as ruthlessly as each player’s talent combined, they can surely produce solid performances in the Barclays Premier League. Also, with news coming in about Wenger’s spending spree this summer, the squad will be joined by a few players of the world class quality.
According to Metro, Giroud is upbeat about Arsenal’s chances of success this year.
Giroud said, “If we start better than we did this season, I know that we can compete for the title because we are used to playing together now,”
“We have improved as a team but also as individuals throughout the season, especially the newcomers like Santi [Cazorla], Lukas [Podolski] and me.”