Giroud/Gervinho/Walcott – Who should be Arsenal's main striker?

The first two months of the season for an Arsenal fan has been majorly spent in assessing three aspects of the club’s football – 1) Much better defence, 2) The impact diminutive Santi Cazorla has had on the Arsenal midfield, and subsequently on Arsenal’s creative display, and 3) Olivier Giroud’s first goal for Arsenal. For the first time in years, it seems to be a general feeling that this Arsenal squad is perfectly balanced and capable of giving a title fight. Fans are actually looking at this season on a match-to-match basis, as they want to see more and more of the new signings and renewed defence, rather than relying on one ‘Super Player’ and living on false hopes that he is going to lead Arsenal to trophies. There is a general sense of calm and positivity in the Gunners camp.

Many believed that Podolski is set to take up the ‘Main Man’ mantle over from RVP when it comes to scoring goals. But that was not to happen as Wenger felt more comfortable to deploy him on the left wing where he till now, has thrived for Arsenal and netted 4 crucial goals in all competitions alongside many strong offensive and defensive displays.

Arsenal till now has been experimenting with the forward role in this new season as Giroud has struggled to score goals. Who is it that should be given the regular striker’s role at Arsenal?

1) Olivier Giroud?

The tall Frenchman was brought in the Arsenal fold for £12m in the summer by Arsene Wenger. Coming into the English Premier League as the highest goal scorer in the French League 1 in the previous season, much was expected from the forward. Giroud however has found scoring goals a bit of a task as his early days have mostly comprised of glaring misses, saves, blocks and deflections in front of the goal. Giroud finally scored his first League goal for Arsenal this past weekend against West Ham. And what a goal it was! Keeping aside his goal drought, Giroud has shown that he has potential to succeed in the League. His physical presence can be experienced throughout the game. His tall frame helps him win most of the aerial duels. His movement off the ball and positioning in front of the goal is commendable. Giroud has just been unlucky not to be on the scoresheet more often for Arsenal. Giroud doesn’t only contribute in the attacking aspects of the game, he also tracks back into Arsenal’s half and perform defensive duties. He is an essential presence in the Arsenal box when defending set-pieces.

2) Gervinho?

The Ivorian has been in a sensational form this season. He has scored 5 goals for Arsenal in all competitions which are already more than his tally of 4 goals last season. Gervinho has been deployed more as a striker this season than a winger. The goals have come for Gervinho when he has played as the striker. As put together by Arsene Wenger himself, Gervinho has got great speed and it is next to impossible a task to catch hold of him once he goes past a defender. Gervinho doesn’t offer the same physical presence as offered by Giroud but brings a total different dynamics to the Arsenal game as he relies more on his pace, in stringing together passes and cutting through the opponent’s defence. His finishing is one aspect where Gervinho has improved a lot this season, it was something missing from his game last season.

3) Theo Walcott?

Now, everybody is aware of the fact that Theo is in the last year of his contract. Walcott is known for his blistering pace and ultra fast runs he makes down the right flank of Arsenal attack which has often contributed in getting goals for Arsenal. But Walcott seemingly is not very excited about that role any more. Walcott wants more of a central role in this team. As stated by Walcott himself, he wants to follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry and be a striker, and that is what his primary demand is for renewing his contract. Walcott surely is known for his pace and ability to run the lengths of the field in no time, but it’s no hidden fact that Walcott is no good when it comes to dribbling around the defender. Walcott has got great finishing abilities though. He hardly misses when being presented with an opportunity in front of the goal. This can work in huge favour for Walcott if he is given a chance to play as a striker more often with his powerful and accurate finishing!

So who should start as Arsenal’s striker more often?

Although Giroud has not been on the scoresheet more often for Arsenal, they should definitely start with a natural striker rather than makeshifts. With more game time in the English League, Giroud will thrive as the front man and score many more goals.

Walcott should be made a priority and given a chance to perform more at the central role. His entire contract situation hangs on that clause. His accuracy in front of the goal and powerful finishes is his biggest asset apart from his running. Arsenal fans might think we don’t really need Walcott, but it’s heartening and impressive to see a player want to stay and play for the club for a change and not run away after money. And I believe such players should be tied down and given a chance at the club.

Gervinho might have started the season very well in the striker’s role, but I still believe he should be deployed more on the wings. His ability to cut through the defence and make good dribbling runs can be better used on the flanks. Gervinho just needs to be more consistent in that role.

My order of preference for Arsenal’s striker would be:

1) Olivier Giroud

2) Theo Walcott

3) Gervinho

What do you think?