Olivier Giroud threw down the gauntlet and Theo Walcott responded as the battle to become Arsenal’s first-choice striker hotted up in tonight’s 4-0 FA Cup fifth-round replay win against Hull City.
The Frenchman scored either side of the break to end his 12-match scoreless streak, but Walcott was not to be outdone as he came up with a double of his own to add some weight to Arsenal’s victory.
SEE MORE: Olivier Giroud goal video v Hull: Frenchman needs generous gaffe to end barren run
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The England international’s first was a tidy Thierry Henry-esque finish into the bottom corner, and his second a more powerful effort as it flew past Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic at his near post.
Both Giroud and Walcott were axed in favour of Danny Welbeck for Saturday’s massive North London derby. Giroud came off the bench, but the speedy forward was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw.
But this evening he served up a reminder of what he is capable of to Arsene Wenger. The 26-year-old has eight goals in 34 appearances this season, having spent some of that time playing off the wing.
Arsenal move quickly onto the quarter-finals this weekend, when they will host Watford. Walcott will hope to get another opportunity to prove his worth ahead of an unmissable trip to Barcelona.
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