Player Focus: Is Giroud's Inconsistency a Concern to Arsenal's Title Charge?

There was a period in the first half at Anfield on Wednesday that encapsulated Olivier Giroud’s Arsenal career. After 25 minutes on the night the Frenchman drew the Gunners level for the second time in the 3-3 draw with Liverpool. Moments later, though, Giroud missed a glaring chance with the goal gaping. For a Premier League striker, it was easier to score than miss. The Frenchman is at times as capable of moments of brilliance as he is buffoonery. 

Nevertheless, at the time of writing, he has once more established himself as Arsenal’s leading marksman with 12 Premier League goals to his name. His double at Anfield - the second of which was one said moment of aforementioned brilliance - means he’s the fifth highest goalscorer in England’s top tier this term, with Giroud considered one of the dark horses to finish the season as the league’s top scorer. With some pining for Theo Walcott to lead the attack at the beginning of the season given his pace, Giroud could be forgiven for assuming he had been demoted to second-choice striker at the Emirates. 

However, Walcott's underlying injury problems allowed the France international to once again firmly install himself as first-choice frontman for Arsene Wenger’s side. Indeed, his goals account for 32.4% of the club’s total (37) in the Premier League this season and have helped them to the summit of England’s top tier, with Arsenal recently backed as title favourites for the first time since December 2013. 

Yet, while Giroud’s goal return is indeed impressive, his wastefulness is clear for all to see at times. The former Montpellier striker has a knack for finding himself in great goalscoring positions, yet his inconsistency has denied him the chance to write himself into Arsenal folklore. Giroud has missed more clear-cut goalscoring opportunities (11) than any other player in the Premier League this season. 

Given Mesut Ozil has both played more key passes (87) and created more clear-cut goalscoring opportunities (22) than any other Premier League player this term, it’s remarkable to think he could have considerably more than the 16 assists - more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues - he has registered so far. The chances he creates would benefit any striker and while Giroud does profit off this - Ozil to Giroud is the most prolific assist to goalscorer combination (6 goals) in the Premier League this term - the figure could be higher given the quality of the chances presented to him. 

Giroud may be a striker in form - the 29-year-old does have nine goals in his last nine competitive appearances for Arsenal - but as quickly as he can hit a purple patch, his performances can dip significantly. It’s for this reason why supporters were crying out for a new striker over the summer, with the likes of Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain among those linked with a move to North London. 

Ultimately, the only new signing made was that of Petr Cech, though his capture has indeed been an astute one despite the experienced goalkeeper conceding three on Wednesday night. The arrival of Mohamed Elneny suggests Wenger has identified key areas that need strengthening this month, though it remains to be seen whether the frontline requires investment in the eyes of the Frenchman. 

In Giroud and Walcott, the Arsenal boss has at his disposal two very solid strikers. The question now is whether they are good enough to help fire the Gunners to Premier League glory. The former's goal return this season does indicate that he has the ability to end the club’s long wait for a title. A conversion rate of 20.7% is the eighth best of players to score five or more goals in England’s top tier this term and his best since a move to the Premier League. 

That in turn is a more prolific conversion rate than Sergio Aguero (16%), Harry Kane (14.5%) and Christian Benteke (13.6%). Meanwhile his shot accuracy (43.1%) is also at its best in his three-and-a-half years in London. There may be questions over whether Grioud is reliable enough to hit the back of the net when it’s required of him, but at the moment the France international is answering these questions. The coming weeks, however, could prove to be crucial for both he and Arsenal. 

If, as he has before, Giroud begins to blow hot and cold between now and the end of January, Wenger may be tempted to dip into the transfer market to secure a striker capable of not only providing sufficient competition for his compatriot, but potentially leapfrogging him in the pecking order. However, Giroud is experienced enough in England to know what is needed of him between now and May. 

With a starting spot for France at Euro 2016 also up for grabs, Giroud will be looking to maintain his good form in order to keep himself at the forefront of Didier Deschamps’ thoughts. It may be a risk, but Wenger has every right to avoid making a move for a new striker this month, particularly if Giroud can continue his goalscoring exploits.

Can Olivier Giroud fire Arsenal to Premier League glory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below