Arsene Wenger was pleased to see his team who were without Mesut Ozil due to illness, started the year with a win. The Gunners defeated Crystal Palace 2-0atvthe Emirates on New Year Day.
Giroud scored a fantastic scorpion kick – similar to Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s goal- which is favoured to be the goal of the season. And of course it is expected to compete with Mkhitaryan’s back-heeled goal for Man United against Sunderland.
Giroud chances has been limited this season with Alexis Sanchez, who has been more effective and efficient, operating in his central position. The French striker scored he only goal in the match against West Brom and he was given the nod by Arsene Wenger yo continue.
And starting just his second league game of the season, he repaid the faith with a wondrous goal. He flicked Sanchez’s cross over his shoulder and it hit the underside of the post before hitting the back of the net and take his tally this season to seven.
Alex Iwobi’s goal four minutes before the hour mark secured Arsenal’s three point though Palace tried to force themselves back into the game.
Sam Allardyce is now without a win in his first two games. The win moves Arsenal into the third place and back to within nine points off Chelsea at the top of the table.
The Gunners had suffered set back in the title bid after consecutive defeats to Everton and Man City but got themselves back on track with a narrow win and continued with the win over Crystal Palace.