Olivier Giroud may not be held in the same lofty regard as Mesut Ozil andAlexis Sanchez by Arsenal fans, but the French striker certainly proved to be the star of the show this weekend.
The divisive frontman inspired the Gunners to a 4-1 rout of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, scoring twice within seven minutes of coming on for Alex Iwobi.
Olivier Giroud's first two touches vs. Sunderland:
Goal âš½
Goal âš½
That's how to mark your Premier League return. pic.twitter.com/IoPAJUwNsC
Giroud has not enjoyed a great season thus far, being reduced to a bit-part role under Arsene Wenger and drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike.
One of his most vocal detractors is Arsenal Fan TV's Claude, who was forced to temporarily alter his unfavourable opinion of Giroud after his glorious two-goal introduction from the bench.
"If I remember correctly you said leave Olivier in London," Fan TV colleagueTy jeered in the direction of Claude, who was delighted with a commanding performance and a comfortable win for his side.
"You're a grass," he replied rather curiously, cracking a wry smile in the process of being taunted by the onlookers around him.
Well, there you go. Everything's coming up Milhouse for Arsenal and Giroud, but was his brace enough to earn him a starting berth for next week's North London derby showdown with Tottenham at the Emirates? That remains to be seen.