Does Olivier Giroud still have a role at the Emirates?

It's seemingly all change at Arsenal, one of the biggest figures in the side over the last five years as been Olivier Giroud. Although now it seems the forward is on the move, with a move to Goodison on the cards.



Last year was certainly a



Olivier Giroud would, however, worked with his first-team exile and use it to thrive. He'd often sit on the bench and come on as a substitute and be an essential part of Arsenal's tactical plans. Deployed when the side needed someone to aim at as a target man; offering a different type of goal threat to Alexis when both on the pitch. Also utilised when the game was already won, he bagged sixteen goals for the Gunners throughout all competitions. This proved to be very effective and by the end of the season, despite on the fringes, he certainly played his part. Last year was certainly a taxing year for the French international , he had stern competition for the starting front forward role. Mainly from Alexis Sanchez who was simply unplayable throughout most of the season. The Chilean was deployed as the front attacker taking up Giroud's space but eventually did drop down the field as the season went on. This meant that Giroud's playing time fluctuated a lot over the campaign and was unable to establish much consistency.Olivier Giroud would, however, worked with his first-team exile and use it to thrive. He'd often sit on the bench and come on as a substitute and be an essential part of Arsenal's tactical plans. Deployed when the side needed someone to aim at as a target man; offering a different type of goal threat to Alexis when both on the pitch. Also utilised when the game was already won, he bagged sixteen goals for the Gunners throughout all competitions. This proved to be very effective and by the end of the season, despite on the fringes, he certainly played his part.





Olivier Giroud might be one of the recognisable faces in the current squad, although his legacy will not go down terribly well should he leave. Whilst yes, he's helped the side to three FA Cups in the last four years, but so have the rest of the team. Let's remember who Giroud came in to replace, Robin van Persie. RvP was a 30+ goal season man when he left for Manchester United. Giroud was brought in to do that, but he's never reached more than sixteen in the league. In theory, not the man we wanted for the job. He was brought in because of his success with Montpellier, as his goals were critical to them winning the league. History has told us though, that he's been unable to replicate the same kind of success in North London. This over time has arguably forced him out to the fringes. As he's not getting any younger, the wrong side of 30 and not lived up to expectations in his five seasons with Arsenal, maybe it's time to let him go.



The problem is that if he goes, there's lots of pressure on the Arsenal management to bring yet another forward in. This is a real sore subject for Arsenal followers who have been crying out for 20+ striker for several years. Should that not happen, they'd be left with a disgruntled Lucas Perez is reportedly unhappy, an injury prone Danny Welbeck and then forcing Sanchez up top again. The latter isn't too bad at all, he's great there.



It also leaves a major gap in the tactical workings, Giroud, comes on and the plans suddenly change for Arsenal. Instead of trying to work the ball into the net, it becomes a rougher affair with wide angles. Whilst yes, it's not great we have to resort to plan b, but having a secondary option is worthwhile for any team. If Giroud leaves, there are very few players like him on the roster who could fulfil that role. At the end of last season, he was very vocal in Arsenal's summer pursuit of Jamie Vardy and about how he was ready to partner him at the top of the team's attack. How things can change, now Vardy is not on any teams transfer list; and Giroud is no longer in a position to consider himself part of Wenger's future plans. There are new French kids on the block who are looking to displace the 30-year-old, in Lacazette who has reportedly completed his medical and Mbappe who remains to be a rumour at present.Olivier Giroud might be one of the recognisable faces in the current squad, although his legacy will not go down terribly well should he leave. Whilst yes, he's helped the side to three FA Cups in the last four years, but so have the rest of the team. Let's remember who Giroud came in to replace, Robin van Persie. RvP was a 30+ goal season man when he left for Manchester United. Giroud was brought in to do that, but he's never reached more than sixteen in the league. In theory, not the man we wanted for the job. He was brought in because of his success with Montpellier, as his goals were critical to them winning the league. History has told us though, that he's been unable to replicate the same kind of success in North London. This over time has arguably forced him out to the fringes. As he's not getting any younger, the wrong side of 30 and not lived up to expectations in his five seasons with Arsenal, maybe it's time to let him go.The problem is that if he goes, there's lots of pressure on the Arsenal management to bring yet another forward in. This is a real sore subject for Arsenal followers who have been crying out for 20+ striker for several years. Should that not happen, they'd be left with a disgruntled Lucas Perez is reportedly unhappy, an injury prone Danny Welbeck and then forcing Sanchez up top again. The latter isn't too bad at all, he's great there.It also leaves a major gap in the tactical workings, Giroud, comes on and the plans suddenly change for Arsenal. Instead of trying to work the ball into the net, it becomes a rougher affair with wide angles. Whilst yes, it's not great we have to resort to plan b, but having a secondary option is worthwhile for any team. If Giroud leaves, there are very few players like him on the roster who could fulfil that role.

One that Everton fans may have to forgive and forget, as Giroud put Arsenal ahead in this FA Cup meeting.



Everton sensing their Lukaku shaped void needs filling sooner rather later, are on the hunt for the striker. The Toffees are more likely to offer him consistent first team football, which could be a real draw for the player. With both clubs in the Europa League next season, this transfer wouldn't necessarily be a step down for him, more like a sideways transition. He may end up with less money in his back pocket at Everton, but he'll be playing the same level of football.



Arsenal doesn't necessarily need Giroud anymore; and whilst he's been a good player for us, holistically he's not going to be a legend that endures Arsenal fan's memories for that long. He provides interesting alternatives, but given he's aged and not set the world on fire, it may be time to sign goodbye to Giroud.