As he celebrated with the rest of his team-mates in front of the travelling supporters located in one corner of the Doug Ellis stand, joy taken from a victory that sent Arsenal to the top of the table, it was not hard to feel pleased for Giroud.
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Leicester, however, have the chance to regain the leadership when they entertain struggling holders Chelsea on Monday.
It is nice and hopefully we can have a great game against Manchester City on Monday. Of the Premier League’s central midfielders, only Yaya Touré scored more goals from open play, and only four attempted more tackles.
Olivier Giroud is certainly the man of the moment at Arsenal.
Referee Kevin Friend initially hesitated to award the penalty but once he did there was little reticence from Giroud in sending goalkeeper Brad Guzan the wrong way.
Giroud had another chance in the 20th minute but his header from a Mesut Ozil free-kick was cleared off the line by Rudy Gestede.
Leandro Bacuna ballooned over after Petr Cech flapped at a cross but Arsenal were comfortable and toyed with their hosts. Unable to see off Spurs, West Bromwich Albion and then Norwich in November, Arsenal came good at Villa Park where they haven’t been beaten since 1998.
Aaron Ramsey then tapped in following a swift Arsenal counter to double his side’s lead after 38 minutes – making the second half a mere procession.
Should the former United star opt to continue, Everton have been touted as a possible destination as they continue to search for defensive reinforcements ahead of an important second half of the campaign for Roberto Martinez.
“But I know in football you can change things only with work and concentration”.
Following last week’s goalless draw at Carpi, Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side has won just one of their last five matches and lie in seventh place, 11 points adrift of city rivals and leaders Inter Milan. “They will be two great games”. Thanks to all the travelling fans.
Fresh from being drawn against England at Euro 2016 the Wales midfielder demonstrated his quality at Villa Park.
“The first half was a bit disappointing, it is not the way we wanted the game to go”.
Giroud has now scored 14 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions this campaign and Walcott is thoroughly enjoying teaming up with the 29-year-old.
Aaron Ramsey started and finished the move which gave the Gunners breathing space just before the break. Theo [Walcott] did well on the penalty and I was chosen to take it and I put it in.
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The French worldwide joined a magnificent seven of Gunners’ strikers by scoring his 50th Premier League goal in their 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday.
