Giroud’s important role

​​​​​​​Olivier Giroud rescued Arsenal with his late header against West Brom. He may no longer be Arsene Wenger’s first-choice striker, but his importance to the side should not be underestimated, writes Nick Wright.

For 86 minutes of Arsenal’s 1-0 win over West Brom, it was not difficult to see why Olivier Giroud has become a squad player this season. The Frenchman cut an isolated figure despite the Gunners enjoying 76 per cent of the possession, with his team-mates frequently bypassing him as they attempted to pass their way through the visitors’ packed defence.

Giroud also had to contend with close attention from Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley. He had fewer touches than any of Arsenal’s other outfield starters over the course of the 90 minutes, and his most notable contribution in a frustrating first half was to receive a yellow card for berating the linesman after a decision went against him.

The 30-year-old drew further frustration from the home fans when he failed to connect with an inviting low cross from substitute Lucas Perez midway through the second period, but his match-winning moment wasn’t far away. Four minutes of normal time remained when Mesut Ozil aimed a diagonal cross into West Brom’s box, and there was Giroud.

He used his strength to wrestle McAuley out …

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