Key man: Giroud needs to be wrapped in cotton wool

BBC pundit: This Arsenal player should be concerned he is not in the team

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

16 Sep 2016, 5:22 pm

By London correspondent Tony Hughes

Martin Keown has insisted Olivier Giroud should be concerned that he was on the bench for Arsenal in their midweek clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Giroud has not started one of the Gunners' five matches this season after his Euro 2016 exertions and was sent off after coming on in the 1-1 draw in Paris.

Alexis Sanchez spearheaded the attack against PSG after new signing Lucas Perez led the front line in the 2-1 win over Southampton last Saturday.

Speaking on Friday, manager Arsene Wenger said Giroud suffered "a little knock" in midweek and he would make a late check on the Frenchman before naming his squad for Saturday's Premier League trip to Hull.

Asked in a question-and-answer session what he thought about Wenger omitting Giroud against PSG, ex-Arsenal defender and BBC pundit Keown told the Mail Online: "If I was Olivier Giroud, I’d be a little concerned not to have started against Paris Saint-Germain.

"Going with Alexis Sanchez shows that Wenger wants pace in that central position. Giroud was sent off against PSG and he might have gone on a little too fired up wanting to prove why he should start."

Arsenal visit Hull for their next assignment on Saturday as they aim to build on a four-match unbeaten run, including wins in their last two league encounters.

In other Arsenal team news, this is the expected starting XI for Saturday's Premier League clash against Hull.

Arsenal

Olivier Giroud