We’ve seen it so many times from Olivier Giroud: a timely dart to the near post and a neat finish from a low cut-back.
The Frenchman did it again on Saturday to convert Nacho Monreal’s pass and open the scoring in what ended up as a 3-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Here’s what the boss said about Giroud, Theo Walcott and how he intends to use Alex Lacazette:
on Giroud’s response…
There is a lot of speculation, I have many times said that I have a huge respect for Olivier Giroud for the man he is and the way he loves our club. Even with all the speculation he is focused and does his job. I always said [that I expect him to stay], I was always consistent with that.
on how he will use Giroud…
Lacazette will play most of the time as centre forward. He can play in any system because he’s a provider as well, he can combine and play in a 442. At the moment he plays a little bit behind Giroud, tonight he was more on the left, and he can play in that position as well.
on how he keeps Theo Walcott motivated after so many years…
There is no secret. Theo Walcott wants to score and wants to play and fight and is focused. It’s just to continue to play like he plays, he will score. He creates chances and that will come again. Sometimes you fight a little bit for it but if you create chances that will come back naturally.
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