It’s been a tough stretch recently for Arsenal. They’ve taken just 10 of their last 27 points in the league, and have likely fallen out of the title race. Over in the Champions League their situation isn’t looking good either, as they lost 2-0 at home to Barcelona and their only chance of advancing would be to overturn that deficit at the Nou Camp. Not exactly the easiest task.
That means for the third year in a row Arsenal’s best chance at a trophy will be the FA Cup, which they won the past two years. In the early rounds of the competition Arsenal have looked poor in getting by lower level opposition, culminating in a drab 0-0 draw vs. Hull City. That means Arsenal would need to add a replay to an already busy fixture schedule.
Sometimes though, a replay is just what you need for struggling players to break out and grab new confidence. Up stepped French striker Olivier Giroud, who has found himself on the bench since the return of Danny Welbeck.
Giroud was given a chance against Hull and when Hull defender David Myler made a colossal mistake, Giroud was quick to make him pay.
Olivier Giroud takes advantage of a colossal error by David Myler to put Arsenal ahead, 1-0. #FACUPonFOXhttps://t.co/fZsVJeK9dn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 8, 2016
The goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 lead at halftime. Shortly after the second half kicked off, Giroud would strike again to double the lead.
Olivier Giroud celebrated the birth of his 2nd child recently. Now, he’s celebrating his 2nd goal today. #FACUponFOX https://t.co/k3yOcjatF2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 8, 2016
