Arsenal fans urge Wenger to drop attacker v Chelsea

Sat 4 February 2017 10:53, UK

By Dominic Toner

Arsenal supporters have pleaded with manager Arsene Wenger to drop attacker Olivier Giroud from the starting line-up against Chelsea.

The 30-year-old has started the last six consecutive Premier League games, but was withdrawn at half-time in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat against Watford.

The striker was unable to influence the game and prefers the ball into his feet, while team-mates such as Theo Walcott and Lucas Perez have the ability to run in behind the defenders.

He has been in decent form this season for the Gunners, scoring 10 goals and supplying five assists in 22 appearances.

However, Arsenal fans are hoping that Giroud is axed from the starting XI in Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea.

Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:

Need to drop Ozil and giroud today #afc
— 420ghost (@420ghost90) February 4, 2017

View Tweet

https://twitter.com/csnelling22/status/827592950569918464

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

If Giroud start against blues today, am not watching. Nah #afc
— Ebuka Obi Pius (@iambrinny) February 4, 2017

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https://twitter.com/JayPatelAFC/status/827823469165412352

I just know that Wenger will play Giroud upfront???? I'm already disappointed and the game isn't till tomorrow???????? #AFC #CFCvAFC
— Zenci (@Najyahhh) February 3, 2017

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Welbeck, Walcott, and Bellerin should all start against Chelsea and Iwobi, Perez, and Giroud be kept on the bench. #CHEARS #Arsenal #COYG
— Mr Gooner (@mr_gooner) February 4, 2017

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My one prayer is that giroud doesn't start today… It will be suicidal.. #COYG
— Paetrk (@patric_githaiga) February 4, 2017

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https://twitter.com/DejiAFC/status/827658374472925186

Arsenal travel to league leaders Chelsea for a league clash and will be looking to close the nine-point gap.

Wenger will have a huge decision to make on who makes his starting line-up and may be looking for pace to get at the Gunners defence.

The north London club recorded a convincing 3-0 win against Chelsea in the first league meeting this season at the Emirates, with Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Walcott on the scoresheet in that game.

France international Giroud will be desperate to retain his place and has looked in good touch in front of goal, but could find it difficult against a resolute Chelsea defence.

In other Arsenal news, Paul Merson has predicted the outcome of the clash with Chelsea.

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