Arsene Wenger reinstated Olivier Giroud to the starting lineup against West Brom in an attempt to arrest the rut Arsenal had fallen into, and the Frenchman responded in fantastic fashion.
The forward scored in the 86th minute, which turned out to be the only goal of the game, giving Arsenal a much needed victory.
The game looked to be heading towards another disappointing result for the London outfit, but Giroud made sure he marked his return to the starting lineup with a win, as he latched on to a beautiful cross from Ozil before slotting it home to break the Baggies’ hearts.
Arsene Wenger will no doubt be glad after breaking the series of disappointing results and avoiding a third successive defeat.
Gooners have at times been overly critical of the Frenchman, but they recognized Giroud’s importance and contribution to Arsenal’s win after the West Brom game.
Olivier Giroud has now scored 18 headed league goals since 2013/14; only Cristiano Ronaldo (22) has scored more in Europe’s top 5 leagues. pic.twitter.com/GmOwEnMg7j
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 26, 2016
Alexis has won us 8 points this season. Giroud has won us 7 with only 1 BPL start.
— Olly (@Giroudesquee) December 26, 2016
Giroud is a beast. McAuley is basically hugging him & he still scored. https://t.co/vFP4gcLNxv
— Gianluca Nesci (@GianlucaNesci) December 26, 2016
Arsenal have scored, thanks to the Gorgeous Giroud, and Arsenal fans are hurriedly putting away their ‘Wenger Out’ signs.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) December 26, 2016
LETS GO GIROUD COME ON MAN!
— NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) December 26, 2016
All i want for Christmas is Arsenal to cross the ball when Giroud is playing. ?
— Arsenal News ? (@__arsenalnews_) December 26, 2016
While Giroud received plaudits, Ozil also received much appreciation for his assist and the duo’s chemistry was highlighted thoroughly.
Mesut Ozil’s superb cross for Olivier Giroud today puts him just three short of Eric Cantona for assists after 100 #PL games. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/YRp8zvoIlp
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) December 26, 2016
Ironic Ozil basically only assists when Giroud plays considering everyone figured he was holding back Ozil’s creative game.
— CD14 (@c_d_14) December 26, 2016
Özil has assisted Giroud 13 times, only Ronaldo has been assisted more times (20). [via @MesutOzilStats] pic.twitter.com/dmdCg2Zey8
— Throwback Arsenal (@ThrowbackAFC) December 26, 2016
?⚪️Not the best performance⚪️?
but….
Giroud goal ⚽️
Ozil assist ?
and a clean sheet ?
??Happy Boxing Day Gooners?? pic.twitter.com/OvCtyhqebB— ?⚪️Gooner Kev⚪️?? (@kevdavis736) December 26, 2016
Ozil getting the assist for the winning goal and then sprinting back after the goal to help defend but lets not notice it and speak about it
— SAMchez COYG (@smeagol_11) December 26, 2016
Ozil is actually one of our most clutch players but people don’t see it. Putting crosses like that for Giroud to head takes some balls.
— Olly (@Giroudesquee) December 26, 2016
People were also quick to appreciate Xhaka’s performance in the middle of the park.
Granit Xhaka’s 134 passes vs West Brom is the most completed by a single player in a Premier League game since 20th May, 2015. pic.twitter.com/VzpWL6WNNW
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 27, 2016
Thought Xhaka was exceptional earlier, top class both on & off the ball, absolutely dictated the game, 133 passes says it all #AFC
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) December 26, 2016
If you don’t rate Granit Xhaka football is not the sport for you
— ㅤ (@Guardiolaesque) December 27, 2016
@Squawka Better than Alonso.
— AS7 (@JasonXhaka) December 27, 2016
Xhaka was brilliant. Some of his cross ball long range passing was outstanding. Also isn’t scared to have a dig from outside the box ??
— Memz Dogi (@AFCMemz) December 27, 2016