Giroud still key to Wenger’s Gunners plans

Olivier Giroud may have hardly featured this season, but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he is still a vital player.

The Frenchman rescued the Gunners at Old Trafford on Saturday, his header earning a crucial 1-1 draw after Juan Mata’s goal had looked likely to give Manchester United all three points.

Giroud has been replaced up front by Alexis Sanchez this season, with the side looking slicker in attack with Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott providing able support.

But Wenger is adamant Giroud has a large part to play this season after his late goal, a fourth of the season after also netting a double against Sunderland.

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“I consider him to be a regular player. He had a long holiday [after the Euros], after that he was injured and now he’s just coming back for a few games,” he said.

“It’s true that in the past two games he has been a bit frustrated but that’s normal because he’s ready to go again.

“The solution of Alexis up front has worked well and I have two options at the moment. Olivier Giroud is in both options because Alexis can play on the flank.

“Olivier can only play through the middle, so I can sometimes marry the two together.”