As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
Obviously a completely superficial comparison but in broad terms I think this casts doubt on some of the points raised on this thread previously.
I really wouldn't bother Northbank. Their not interested in stats that prove how well he has done etc.
Minds are made up.
As for comparing Giroud with Chapman, I can only assume that those making the comparison never saw Chapman in an Arsenal shirt.
I would say the opposite - in my experience most defences of Giroud are along the vague lines of "good stats" and allegedly favourable comparisons with other players (e.g. Henry, Drogba) in their first season.
That's the reason I posted it - because to a considerable extent it is a direct rebuke to both of those somewhat lazy arguments. I personally would rather rely on judgements based on what I've seen about his general play over the season than such stats and comparisons.
Henry took quite a few games but once he got started was very good
obviously his pace was terrifying (think it was Derby him and Overmars ripped up)
then he added amazing physicality, was it first season where he threw Dessailly on the floor then scored?
I absolutely love that goal
I saw a lot of Drogs first season - every Chelski fan was sorely disappointed, he was terrible
took him much much longer to acclimatise
doubt Giroud will reach the heights of either - but think first season he's been better than Drogs
highburyJD wrote:Henry took quite a few games but once he got started was very good
obviously his pace was terrifying (think it was Derby him and Overmars ripped up)
then he added amazing physicality, was it first season where he threw Dessailly on the floor then scored?
I absolutely love that goal
I saw a lot of Drogs first season - every Chelski fan was sorely disappointed, he was terrible
took him much much longer to acclimatise
doubt Giroud will reach the heights of either - but think first season he's been better than Drogs
I can't say that I have fantastic memory as to how Drogba performed exactly during his first season so you may be right. I do remember there being frustration regarding him but also him scoring a few very good goals and showing aspects of his game that showed he had something about him that could terrorise defenders if he could draw it all together.
Either way we all know that stats on their own are of limited use and tbh the question of whether he was better than Drogba in his first season is frankly unimportant unless you believe that, like Drogba, he has what it takes to make huge strides and becoming a top-class PL striker. Which I don't.
highburyJD wrote:I believe Giroud can get a lot better, sounds like he does too - which is a good thing
Well it wouldn't be difficult would it ,perhaps if he tries really really hard he can improve to being mediocre which will put him in line with majority of the current squad.
I believe the Prem's quality has dropped but still don't see top four challengers as mediocre
Some not good enough for the Arsenal...
but all good quality Prem players, mediocre is harsh
Surely we've got to recall our goal machine with his stunning record of scoring in PL away games.......one away PL goal all season going back to the 6th October last year !!!!
But honestly, he works really hard and is having a great first season
It will be Wenger's crowning glory to bring this absolutely useless fuckwit back into the side and finish 5th.
