Why would you change a winning team, by bringing in a player up-front who (through no fault of his own) has hardly played up front this season? Plus he is allegedly injured.
Honestly because he has not had much to do in our winning run I wouldn't change he midfield if Wilshere came back as it has been quick and dynamic, or the defense before Merts red card as it has been solid and disciplined. However upfront we have been really lacking Pod for Giroud and Theo for Gervinho (when fit - I know Gervinho has been in good form but walcott is more of a threat especially if we have caz, arteta and rosicky on the pitch as they are three of the best passers) are still changes I would make now.
I wouldn't make changes against Norwich, Everton will be the tougher game where we will need the likes of Theo, Wilshere, and Podolski.
In relation to others on the pitch yes i believe so it is our defensive solidness and midfield movement and pressing which has changed most. I feel the qualities he possess that our better than Pods dont' really get much use. Whereas the qualities Pod posses better than Giroud (i.e. finishing, movement, passing, clinicalness) are ones which are far more important right now.
I'll admit Giroud had probably his worst game in an Arsenal shirt on Saturday, but he should still start vs Norwich
That's risky. Those three players, especially Wilshere and Podolski, have not played in a while and to bring all three of them back against Everton is asking for trouble.
I think Giroud has had little to do with our run and Pod would do just as well if not better. As Giroud has had a long run but I think its only 2 games where hes scored important goals for us so why should he be given the nod ahead of a player who has done well from the wing scoring nearly as many in less games from a position with less opportunity to score. Podolski also does as much or probably more defensively than Giroud (although I would expect more from a winger than striker). Other than that I think the players who have been starting have done enough to warrant their places even when others come back.
Definitely cost us 3 points when it looked like we'd lose to Norwich. Not like he didn't have a hand in all 3 of our goals.
The slid in for the second? Winning the header for the third? At least if you're going to bash him at every occasion also highlight the good he's done. Giroud has helped us get this spot, and regardless of opinion of him we're in 3rd and partially owe thanks to him, as do we to all other members of the squad.
With a real striker, we'd be challenging Citeh for 2nd. The 2nd in the Norwich game was an own goal, anyone could have slid in, and the 3rd is irrelevant because we would have won from the first 2.
Should have done better with the chances he had tonight. Although I value what he offers to the team, we need a clinical striker in his position
Agreed. I cant help but like Giroud because he really does give his all but he misses ALOT of chances and does'nt really create much either.
