Giroud madness piles even more pressure on outstanding Alexis Arsene Wenger celebrated a phenomenal landmark of his 600th win as Arsenal manager but the abiding image of the Frenchman from the 2-1 Boxing Day victory over QPR will be the pure fury on his face when Olivier Giroud was sent off. Giroud’s crazy headbutt on Nedum Onuoha early in the second half so nearly cost the Gunners as they ended up hanging on for dear life against a QPR side who have now lost all of their nine Premier League away fixtures this season. Wenger could barely hide his anger with a moment which he admitted changed the game and left Arsenal battered and against the ropes in the final stages when they should have recorded a routine home win against the leagues whipping-boys. While Arsenal were able to escape punishment in this game, the Londoners could still feel the repercussions for Giroud’s moment of madness as he sits out the upcoming matches against West Ham and Southampton, as well as the FA Cup tie with Hull City, through suspension. They already have Alexis Sanchez to thank for not being mired in mid-table and Giroud’s suspension means that the brilliant Chilean will now come under even more pressure to lead Arsenal’s charge, especially with £16 million man Danny Welbeck out of form. This is Alexis’s first season in England and the festive fixtures are a new experience for him but, with Arsenal sixth in the table, Wenger cannot afford to give his star man the rest he needs to maintain his sharpness. The Gunners boss admitted earlier in December that that Alexis was playing in the ‘red zone’ and at risk of suffering a muscle injury. It is something in which Wenger must have a fair amount of expertise given the perpetual injury problems in his squad. If that nightmare becomes a reality, Arsenal could be in big trouble. Alexis was every bit as wonderful as Giroud was idiotic here, from his very first touch when he juggled the ball on the touchline before whipping in a dangerous cross. His missed penalty - tamely struck at Robert Green - can be forgiven, given that Alexis won it himself by being too quick and sharp for Armand Traore. In any case, the 26-year-old made up for it in the 37th minute as he ran off his marker and twisted his body to head home his 15th goal in his 26th appearance this season. With the hosts down to 10 men 20 minutes into the second period, Alexis registered his seventh assist of the campaign with a fine run and pass for Tomas Rosicky to score Arsenal’s second goal. The importance of Alexis’s contribution was highlighted once Charlie Austin grabbed a goal back for QPR from the penalty spot 11 minutes from time, sparking a nervous finish as the visitors piled towards the Gunners goal in the final moments. It should not have been that way but Giroud’s sending-off changed the complexion of the game and left Arsenal tired and clinging on. The result leaves Arsenal two points off the top four as they target a Champions League place but their almost-total reliance on Alexis is becoming more concerning by the game. With Giroud suspended, the Chilean will be expected to continue producing miracles while avoiding an injury that could destroy Arsenal’s season and, for that reason, Wenger may continue to curse his stupid striker tonight rather than raise a glass to his landmark victory.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 05:53:02 +0000
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