The Arsenal manager has hailed Giroud’s Premier League development…
Arsene Wenger believes Olivier Giroud has transformed himself into a completely different player since signing for Arsenal from Montpellier in 2012, reported in the Guardian.
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The Frenchman bagged both goals in the Gunners’ 2-0 FA Cup Fifth Round win at home to Middlesbrough, bringing up double figures for the season.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his striker has upped his work-rate and added a rugged edge to his game, which perhaps best befits his towering six foot four inch frame.
“Giroud is today a different player to the guy that arrived here,” said the Arsenal manager. “He understands what top level football demands – he works with a great concentration in training and he has improved in his mobility tremendously and his technical quality. And of course his body is very strong and he uses it very well.”
News of a rejuvenated Olivier Giroud will not be music to the ears of Danny Welbeck who, since signing for Arsenal in the summer transfer window, had hoped to be deployed as the north London club’s central striker has been relegated to a wide berth to accommodate the lanky French striker.
While the Gunners manager believes Welbeck is performing well out wide, it is sure to be a bugbear for the England international who left Manchester United for a chance to play as a regular central striker.
Gabriel Paulista was also given his Arsenal debut in the FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough, putting in a solid performance if somewhat slightly untested. The Brazilian defender who has a ‘very bad’ understanding of the English language will surely be tested more in the coming Premier League games.