Who would have thought it? Of all the people to come up with three goals to send Arsenal through. The one who has been insulted, labelled a Brick, been vilified, mocked and possibly even threatened...possibly, need to check with my source on that.
After all of this hate, he is the one who who rose highest and delivered the goods for Arsenal when they needed him the most. For now, we must all give Giroud a round of applause for showing up for the Gunners and being the striker, in that classic sense.
People can talk about crap Olympiacos are, but the match I watched last night, it was the boys from Greece who were the ones who looked like they needed the goals. They created the first few chances, and Arsenal could not even dream up an opportunity, let alone create one. So under the circumstances, Arsenal were right in the trenches and it was Olympiacos who were calling the shots.
If you look at Giroud's first G, it came from what the Zillage does best. Getting the ball from midfield, most assumed he would just try and keep possession so Arsenal could try and break down the defense. But that is the brilliance of the Zillage that I want to see more. His reverse through ball to Ramsey, was a ball that no one saw. He fooled everyone, and it freed up Ramsey to put in a cross.
One of Giroud's great strengths is his amazing ability on the ball and dribbling. No, sorry....wrong Frenchman. Giroud's best attribute is his aerial prowess. The way in which he got into position and connected with the header, and ensured that ball went down to make it hard for the keeper, was great and clinical striking. People blame the keeper, but I've played that position before. If you head the ball downwards and in the corner, and your name isn't Buffon, De Gea or Neuer...then it's going to be very hard to save.
As for the second, it was a gift wrapped in a lovely bow with perfume and flowers all the way from Costa Rica. Joel Campbell totally made that goal. His control, dribble and excellent through ball put in Giroud. But the Frenchman made the run as well, something he isn't great at. He timed it well, connected with the ball, and it was a nice finish. Two goals, from the same man and Arsenal were looking really good. Then came the moment of truth...
When Arsenal got that penalty, I wondered with my associate who would take it. Once I saw Giroud step up, I was convinced that he'd miss. But Olivier wanted his three, this was his night and I can guarantee that he grabbed that ball as soon as the referee blew for the whistle. He stepped up, sent the keeper the wrong way and Giroud's perfect night was signed, sealed and delivered.
I would give the man of the match award to Campbell but what Giroud did was a statement. It won't change my mind about him, but it made me respect him more. Nobody thought Arsenal would make ti through, and I don't think even the Martians in Mars would have put one kobo on Giroud of all people getting three goals.
He did, and he kept our mouths shut....for the time being.
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HH
