Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has started the 2013/14 season in prolific form, scoring in all four Premier League games and scoring his first league goal outside of London for the Gunners at the weekend. Previously, he also netted in a Champions League qualifying match against Fenerbahce. Giroud has already scored nearly half of his 11 Premier League goals he netted during the 2012/13 campaign, and he appears nailed on to greatly better last season's tally of 17 goals in all competitions. The France international has become the focal point of the side, and Arsenal couldn't be without him. He's also recently ousted Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema out of the France national side, and is expected to light up next summer's World Cup. This season, it's been evident his link-up play has greatly improved, and as a lone striker, it's part of his game he's been having to work the hardest on. The 26-year old is also scoring a number of his goals with his first touch, which suggests his confidence in his own ability is growing, and that's his movement is getting even better that he doesn't need an extra touch to set himself up for a goalscoring opportunity. Manager Arsene Wenger has been very complimentary toward his fellow French compatriot, and the previous doubters in his ability are now being silenced. With eight goals scored in pre-season, it's no surprise to see the striker doing so well this season, and fans are hoping his great form can continue.
Crippy Cooke, 23, is a freelance Football Writer contributing to What Culture. He's had work featured on Zoo, MSN, London 24, The Telegraph, The Huffington Post, and was recently named Writer of the Year on FTBpro - while also a nominee for Best Male Blog in the Football Blogging Awards.
