EPL 2016-17: Bournemouth 3-3 Arsenal - 5 talking points

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Olivier Giroud of Arsenal attempts a bicycle kick during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 3, 2017 in Bournemouth, England.  (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Olivier Giroud makes a valiant attempt at a bicycle kick during Arsenal’s game against Bournemouth

#3 The strange case of Olivier Giroud

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Referee Michael Oliver talks to Olivier Giroud of Arsenal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 3, 2017 in Bournemouth, England.  (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Olivier Giroud made two assists and scored his side’s third goal against Bournemouth

Olivier Giroud’s form and performance are quite enigmatic at times. After the French forward came on off the bench to score crucial goals for his side, Wenger finally decided to give him a shot in the starting line-up this past Sunday. Re-introducing the striker to the side and pushing Alexis Sanchez back into the left wing worked out pretty well as they won their game against Crystal Palace. So, it was no wonder he started tonight’s game as well.

However, the results of his inclusion weren’t as satisfactory in the first half. The striker was isolated for most of the half under the watchful eyes of defenders Ake and Steve Cook. Even when his teammates did manage to work the ball towards him, he was nowhere in the vicinity.

All this changed in the second half as the Frenchman seemed to display a greater determination. He quickly ingratiated himself in the game to help build up two of his side’s goal and finally score the equaliser. Whatever Wenger said to Giroud during half time worked wonders as he started imposing himself and causing problems for the defence.

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