1 Goal in 7: The real reason behind Olivier Giroud’s goal drought

Olivier Giroud – Theo Walcott

Arsenal’s strong start to the season coincided with Olivier Giroud’s impressive form in front of goal. The Frenchman hit four goals in his first five Premier League games as the Gunners bounced back from an opening day defeat.

However, in his last seven games he has scored once in, with his last goal coming in the 2-0 away win over Crystal Palace in October. So why has Giroud stopped scoring?

Olivier Giroud Goals

All of his Premier League goals this season have been scored within the penalty area, as you may expect from a striker of Giroud’s mould. A closer look at his league goals this season reveals that four of his five goals have come from crosses while in the Champions League, both the 27-year-old’s strikes have been converted from crosses.

All but two of his goals have been one touch finishes with six coming from his favoured left-foot and one with his head.

Olivier Giroud Goals

Arsenal Starting XI vs Villa

Arsenal lined-up at the first game of the season against Aston Villa with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott on the wings as they set-up with two out and out wingers. In contrast, Arsene Wenger went with Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla as his widest players against Manchester United on Sunday. Since the arrival of Mesut Ozil, Arsenal’s shape has changed and instead of using two pacey wingers, Wenger has opted to utilise a trio of ball playing midfielders behind Giroud.

Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott have one assist each for the Frenchman but the England duo have been missing through injury in recent weeks. Chamberlain provided the assist for Giroud on the opening day of the season and has been missing for the Gunners since, while Walcott last featured in the league during the 3-1 win over Sunderland.

Without wingers, Giroud isn’t getting the kind of service he thrives on. His goals this season show that he’s deadly when he gets on the end of crosses, but with Arsenal now narrower, the service he receives from the likes of Ozil, Cazorla and Ramsey is markedly different.

Olivier Giroud Chances Created

However, with a host of goal scoring midfielders behind him, Giroud has now turned provider rather than goalscorer for Arsenal. He has racked up four assists so far this season and has made 13 key passes. Only Mesut Ozil has created more chances for the Gunners in the first 11 games.

Arsenal Top Chance Creators This Season

Giroud often receives the ball with his back to goal as he drops deep in search of the ball and looks to join in the build up play. Although he is the focal point of the Arsenal attack, they no longer rely solely on his goals with seven different midfielders getting on the score sheet this season.

Arsenal Premier League Goalscorers This Season

Although Wenger and Arsenal fans would like to see Giroud back amongst the goals, his work rate and contribution to the team is equally as important. The French international has been directly involved in 41% of his sides league goals this season.

The return of Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain could see Giroud scoring again, but for now he’ll continue to be the provider.