- Arsenal claimed a point at Southampton with a late goal from Giroud
- Frenchman equals impressive Premier League record
- Fans want Giroud back in the starting line-up after another big impact off bench
- READ MORE: Southampton 1-1 Arsenal: Olivier Giroud shows his value with milestone goal to save Gunners vs Saints
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud came to the rescue for the Gunners on Sunday with a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Southampton at St. Mary’s.
Charlie Austin had given the home side an early lead, and while Arsene Wenger’s men toiled for large periods and looked vulnerable to the counter-attack, they eventually found a breakthrough to claim a point.
Giroud has struggled for playing time this season in the Premier League, although he’s managed seven goals in 22 appearances this year as he remains a key figure in the squad.
The Frenchman offers a different option up front with his physical presence and aerial threat, as seen with his goal against Southampton.
While he won’t be content with a role off the bench, he has certainly been decisive in it as he equalled former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s record of 17 Premier League goals off the bench, the most of any player.
He’ll be desperate to force his way into the starting line-up sooner rather than later though with the World Cup fast approaching, and it seems the supporters are in agreement, as seen in the tweets below…
Giroud is a life saver! ??????
— Dani (@DanniTheGooner) December 10, 2017
Not good enough. Lucky point… Giroud needs to start again.
— Goon over the moon (@Gooner87) December 10, 2017
Drop Lacazette, start Giroud
— Jiggy ? (@Jackel_Ramzilla) December 10, 2017
We’re not Barcelona. Stop it with the sideways and backwards passes. Change the formation to a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 with Giroud and Lacazette up front
— ? Hamza ?™? (@HKO_VENOM) December 10, 2017
Thank you @_OlivierGiroud_ ??
— Mrs Giroud ?? (@TaZRahman7) December 10, 2017
Giroud > Laca.. just saying
— Sam ? (@JuanderfuI) December 10, 2017
Giroud = legend
— Ross??? (@Samkerrsbae) December 10, 2017
Most ever Premier League goals as a substitute:
Olivier Giroud – 17
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 17 pic.twitter.com/27SrfTnb4V— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) December 10, 2017