Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has drawn a striking parallel between his own early days at the club and Viktor Gyokeres’ current situation under Mikel Arteta.
Giroud, who joined Arsenal in 2012, believes the Gunners boss is giving Gyokeres the same patience and confidence that Arsene Wenger once extended to him during a difficult period.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Giroud said: “Gyokeres for me is a great striker. When I first arrived at Arsenal, Arsene gave me time to adapt, his confidence, it was not easy because Robin van Persie had just left.”
He continued: “I needed time and confidence. I think Arteta is doing the same with Gyokeres. I think he can fit well for Arsenal’s game.”
Gyokeres has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, including 14 goals in the Premier League as Arsenal were crowned champions.
The Swedish striker faced criticism earlier in the campaign for his lack of goals, but has undeniably grown stronger as the season progressed.
The 27-year-old now has the chance to make a defining statement if he finds the net against PSG in this weekend’s Champions League final.
Giroud was candid about the challenge PSG pose, noting their quality in and out of possession ahead of the showpiece event.
He said: “I don’t know if he will play in the final against PSG. PSG is the strongest team in Europe, they can defend, offensively they are very talented, but the thing is for the final against Bayern they defended really well too.”
The Frenchman also referenced a previous Champions League final as a reminder that tournament football can always produce surprises regardless of expectations.
Giroud said: “I remember (Manchester) City against Inter a few years ago, I would have expected City to beat Inter by two or three goals and Inter could have come in the end.”
He remained hopeful that Arsenal can go all the way and add the European trophy to their Premier League title, pointing to areas where PSG could be vulnerable.
Giroud added: “You never know in the final. I wish Arsenal will win that trophy after the Premier League trophy. In transition PSG can be really dangerous.”
He identified wide areas and one-on-one situations as potentially decisive, warning that PSG’s dominance on the ball must be carefully managed throughout the match.
Giroud concluded: “They are so good on the ball, but against the one on one on the wings will be key. It is like French national team, with so many options, and Luis Enrique has done an amazin job with PSG.”
