Arsenal extended their winning streak against Reading to 14 games following a 1-0 victory at the Emirates in the EFL Cup.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the opening goal on 36 minutes extending his goal tally to four in all competitions this season – matching his record for most goals scored in a single season at Arsenal in the process.
French international striker Olivier Giroud has missed the last five games due to a toe injury but marked his return today after recovering.
Giroud was brought on for Reine-Adelaide on 66 minutes to gain playing time and work on his sharpness and match fitness.
The powerful striker is not expected to start against Sunderland in the Premier League over the weekend but he is likely to be in the match-day squad after putting on a decent display in the last half an hour against Reading.
Giroud has a total of one assist in five appearances this season and the Gunners have not felt his absence as much as was initially expected following his injury.