Was the one who set up Podolski for his goal, , yes, he didn't score, but at least he contributed to our equalising goal. Overall I felt his level dipped in the 2nd half, mainly down to confidence, you could see his head was down, and that's the worst thing that can happen, when your head drops, and you just think nothings going for you, i'm sure we've all been there as well sometimes at our own jobs, and you know how it is when you reach that point.
Play him against Coventry, rest him against Man City and use him as a battering-ram Plan B if needed.
I have full confidence that he will start scoring goals, his positioning and tactical awareness is far too good to not get him in numerous situations to poach many goals.
He was terrible. He wants an age on the ball. I hope he will come good but I have been far from impressed thus far.
He is obv struggling to fit into the system we play. I really think he should be used as a plan B but willing to give him some time. I wonder what people were saying about Henry after his 7th game without a goal?
He's done everything right so far this season apart from score, but that will come. His positional play is excellent, he pulls defenders out of position, allowing other players to make runs into dangerous areas, he links up and holds the ball up well, his first touch is generally really good and he makes good assists. He's doing alright for me. He needs a goal for his confidence AND he needs the fans to get behind him and support him
Up until yesterday, I would have agreed with you. But last night (aside from the ONE good pass) he failed to hold up the ball,misplaced passes and was constantly caught in possession. Hopefully its just a lack of confidence. He is getting in good positions but he needs to realise that at this level you get FAR less time on the ball.
I don't think any player particularly excelled last night, so I wouldn't single Giroud out for criticism. He needs a goal, that will boost his confidence. But I don't think fans should start getting on his back as that's not going to help him at all. When players are going through a tough patch, it's when they need the support of the fans the most
One good pass? He put Poldi through on the left just before half time as well. His assist was quality, he cushioned the ball and took the pace out of it, putting Poldi into a dangerous position. I think he'll start scoring soon. Unfair to judge him at this stage.
The problem is, if Giroud is benched who plays striker? Wenger doesn't seem to like Podolski through the middle so its either Chamakh or Gervinho
gervinho was pretty good as a striker... and we can always put walcott there if we need to. but i do agree that we need another striker, because chamakh and giroud just aren't good enough (or haven't shown they are)
He didnt hold up the ball well that was one of the issues. I think their CB's controlled him very well. Also, he had the lowest pass completion rate (56%) of all the players who started the game. (Vito Mannone had 59% and that takes goal kicks/clearances etc.. into account) Michael Arteta the highest with 88% followed by Per Mertesacker(85%), Podolski (80%) and Gervinho (74%). Considering we normally have several players into the 90's it shows our performance was a little below par. Dont get me wrong I like him as a player just thought he was particularly bad last night.
For me its Podolski. He's looked fanastic soo far. Scored 3 goals in four games from a wide left position, he's a very tidy finisher and its his natural position.
I'm not sure. One of Poldi's best aspects so far this season is how much support and protection he's been giving Gibbs. Push him further foward and he won't be able to do so as effectively.
I really hope Giroud proves me wrong. Wenger saw something in him and I trust his judgement but Giroud just doesn't seem to display any qualities that previous strikers at Arsenal exhibited. Again, I really hope Giroud proves me wrong and does well but I'm not going to have blind faith. We don't have any other CF. No team can survive without a proper striker (look at Barca last season with Pedro and Villa out) no matter how good the team are.
